DC United heads out to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes in a rematch from earlier this season. DC fans will want to be quick to forget the 4-2 goal-scoring destruction earlier this year at RFK, mainly due to Steven Lenhart who had a hat trick. But this is an away match for DC, which may be to their advantage. They have 12 points in nine away matches this year, which means they have taken more points on the road than at home. In the past, the road has been sort of an obstacle, but luckily this year, not so much.
Obviously one of the big points for this match will be to contain San Jose’s forwards. Steven Lenhart erupted last time, so its no doubt that DC will focus on him. There is also MLS All-Star Chris Wondolowski who is always a threat on the field. If both those players play, then the matchup between them and DC’s defense will be key. United’s defense has gotten older and grown some depth over the past few weeks with players like Marc Burch and Dejan Jakovic returning from injuries. That should help bolster the back four.
On the attacking front is where DC will find themselves thin. Both Charlie Davies (knee inflammation) and Josh Wolff (hamstring strain) are listed as questionable for Saturday’s match. If both do not make an appearance, United’s attack will definitely suffer. They are arguably the two best forwards United have, and without them, things could get rough. On top of that, Blake Brettschneider, the rookie forward who has turned heads, is also listed on the injury report with a concussion, although his status is probable. He was back in training this week doing drills and playing, but I’m sure he was extra cautious when going up for a header. At worst, if all three cannot play in this match, Chris Pontius can play up front, and there is still Joseph Ngwenya as well. If Pontius is forced to play up front, new signee Austin da Luz could fill in at outside mid. Let’s just hope DC doesn’t have to go that far.
While they’re attacking front has been plagued with injuries lately, they still have Pontius and De Rosario who can provide a solid threat. Since that 4-2 win at RFK, San Jose has not won another league match. Add in DC’s ability to play on the road this year, and I think this match is more or less a toss up. It’s getting around that time where draws won’t cut it for DC to remain in battle for a post season spot. They need to start picking up three points consistently, especially after losing at home to New England, who at the time was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. Every point is now precious.
Like what you see or think I’m an idiot? Comment in the space below or follow/comment to me @aaronmccollum on Twitter. Follow @aaronmccollum
(image courtesy of Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
