Photo Credit: Charlotte Thomas
DC United host the Philadelphia Union Saturday night at RFK Stadium at 7 PM. This mid-atlantic rivalry has been tightly fought over the past few seasons. The Union are 7-7-4 all-time against DC, but 1-4-4 while in RFK. Former DC player Chris Pontius will be crucial on Saturday as a player who knows DC well and has found success at RFK.
So far DC is 0-1-2, losing 4-0 to NYCFC and 2-0 against Columbus. The only result DC has gotten was a 0-0 in RFK against Sporting Kansas City. The struggling DC has yet to score a goal, and will have to get riled up against local rivals if they want to get a result. Ben Olsen will need to get the best out of his team to combat a dangerous Union side. Steve Birnbaum specifically needs to play at his best, and lead from the back to keep DC playing as a single unit.
Last season at RFK Birnbaum made the decisive play to tie the game 2-2 in stoppage time. Once again it is his time to shine, but for DC hopefully he can stall the Union attack before things get out of hand. Most importantly DC needs some goals. Patrick Mullins, Luciano Acosta and Lloyd Sam have to find their form if DC wants a victory. DC’s superior home record might be just what they need to get points at home.
The Union, meanwhile, have also yet to get a victory, recording a 0-2-1 record. Last week Union recorded its first loss in Orlando after a hard fought game. CJ Sapong has found his scoring touch recently, having scored in his last 2 games. He will be instrumental for the Union get on the board early. Despite failing to get a win in the first 3 games, the Union have looked strong. It is just a matter of time until the Union’s good performances pay off. Coach Jim Curtin has always played an aggressive style on the road, pushing the attack to the home team.
While it can be effective, the Union has to be careful of the DC counter attack. At this point it seems the Union have settled with a starting line-up, but without results Curtin may have to look into other players to be the spark necessary to get a win.
DC United
Philadelphia Union
