It is a match of revenge, according to DC United’s center back Dejan Jakovic, and why not? After Colorado dismantled United 4-1 earlier this season at DSG Park, this match has become a vital point in DC’s season. How far have they come since the meltdown in Colorado?
Charlie Davies has gone three straight matches playing 90 minutes. That is big news for someone who others thought may never play again. Davies’ play has also attracted the attention of Bob Bradley who, rumor has it, will be at RFK on Saturday night. This could mean that Davies is close to being called up for the Gold Cup this summer. However, Jeff Larentowicz, Dax McCarty, Marvell Wynne and Anthony Wallace are also players on DC United and Colorado that Bradley could be scouting.
Branko Boskovic had surgery yesterday on his ACL rendering him out for 4-6 months, probably the season. Along with him, Junior Carreiro (ankle sprain), Devon McTavish (concussion), and Jed Zayner (hamstring strain) have also been listed as out for this match.
Colorado has had to deal with numerous injuries this season after starting the season out 3-0-0. Since then, they’ve gone 1-3-2, and at one point they had only 4 of the preferred 11 starters on the field (vs. New England) according to Rapids fan-blog Burgundy Wave. At this time, Omar Cummings and Caleb Folan, two of Colorado’s biggest threats, are out with ankle and groin strains. While DC has to be licking their chops at their chance to get the Rapids while two of their stars are out, forward Conor Casey and midfielder Sanna Nyassi have begun to train and should be available for Saturday’s match. DC must be cautious.
This match will be the end of DC’s home stand. After this, DC has a friendly vs. Ajax, and then must go to Portland and Los Angeles for two difficult matches. Three points now is a must. In order to win, the defense must remain strong. The last two matches have been very positive and a continuance of this is needed. DC has to find a replacement for Boskovic as an attacking, creative player to control the midfield and threaten the defense. Coach Ben Olsen may have found that in Andy Najar, who has had a solid outing during the home stand setting up goals and creating chances. Let’s hope he can continue this against Colorado. Like Jakovic said, it’s time for some payback.
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
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