As D.C. United faces FC Cincinnati, all eyes are set on three points. Winless in nine, the Black-and-Red are eager to put in a first-class performance in front of home supporters at Buzzard Point.

On Saturday night, D.C. drew 2-2 on the road with the New York Red Bulls, holding the lead until the 78′. The Black-and-Red displayed grit despite missing players and captured a point on the road.

Tonight, head coach Troy Lesesne said the team plans to “stay together just as we did the other night, and we’re going to fight for a result at home that our home supporters deserve.”

D.C. will have their work cut out for them. With eight players out for injury or suspension, the Black-and-Red go into the matchup with 2nd place Cincinnati shorthanded. To add to the challenge, Troy Lesesne is also suspended for tonight’s match.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, looks to net a win and take the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, dethroning Inter Miami. Cincy has won six straight on the road, adding to the danger they pose.

Hear everything head coach Troy Lesesne had to say at the pre-game press conference here.

Let us know your thoughts about tonight’s match in the comments below.

Key Player: Ted Ku-DiPietro

We know, we said bet on Ted on Saturday. We aren’t changing our tune. We’ll look to the homegrown to give Cincinnati a tough time tonight. Ku-DiPietro has shown himself more than capable of stepping up to give D.C. United an edge.

Watch Out For: Lucho Acosta

Always watch out for Lucho Acosta. His dangerous style of play will pose a threat to the D.C.’s defense. The Black-and-Red faithful know Cincy’s captain well. He factored into much of D.C. United’s success once the team moved to Audi Field. His partnership with Wayne Rooney was one for the ages. Since leaving the District, Acosta has made a name for himself in Cincinnati, leading the team to a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference last season.

Challenges: The Black-and-Red are shorthanded again, leaving them vulnerable during a busy match week.

Previously: D.C. and Cincinnati last played to a scoreless draw at TQL Stadium in March.

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Conner Antley (knee), Steven Birnbaum (hip), Russell Canouse (not due to injury), Kristian Fletcher (ankle), Jackson Hopkins (back), Garrison Tubbs (head)

Disciplinary: Christian Benteke (DC) – Suspended, Yellow Card Accumulation, Cristian Dájome (DC) – Suspended, Red Card – Second Caution, Troy Lesesne (DC) – Suspended, Technical Staff Yellow Card Accumulation 

Questionable: None

FC Cincinnati Availability:

Out: Nick Hagglund (leg), Matt Miazga (leg), Malik Pinto (ankle)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC

Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET

Referee: Alexis Da Silva

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV