A few weeks back, DC United (4-5-4) went to the west coast to face two great teams in their respective home parks. Now they’re at it again as they travel to Salt Lake City and Rio Tinto Stadium to take on Real Salt Lake (6-3-3) on Saturday night. Despite RSL’s current slip in form (one win in the last five matches), they’re ability to play really well at home is still to be admired. On top of that, Salt Lake City is not one of United’s favorite places to play. DC has not beaten RSL in Salt Lake since 2005 which was RSL’s expansion year.
Last week, United fans saw their defense ripped to shreds by San Jose. Many writers and fans attributed this to the lack of experience possessed by the young defense. If this is the case, then good news is around the corner as Jed Zayner appears to have recovered from a hamstring injury that he acquired in the season opening match vs. Columbus. Last week, he played 45 minutes in a reserve match vs. New England and feels confident that he could go the entire 90 minutes if needed this weekend. While that could be a long shot, considering that he’s already aggravated the hamstring injury once already, the experience of another veteran would be great for the defense. Zayner’s return also comes at a good time as other defensive veterans Marc Burch (injury) and Dejan Jakovic (injury, Gold Cup) have been away.
On offense, DC will have to be at their best. RSL has played 12 matches with only 7 goals allowed, which is almost 1 goal every two matches. Nick Rimando is a great keeper and their centerbacks are some of the best in the league. Hopefully we can see Charlie Davies starting back up top along with Wolff. Brett Brettschneider has had a wonderful season to date, but if Davies is back in the fold, he will have to play a sub role in my book. If Davies is still not fit for 90 minutes, then Brettschneider will more than likely be starting again. The midfield for DC could be up in the air right now as some rumors have surfaced that Fred could be on the move back to Australia. Pontius and Najar will definitely keep their places, but the midfield could see a slew of almost anyone ranging from Dax McCarty, Clyde Simms, Stephen King, Fred (if he’s still here), or Brandon Barklage. To be honest, I cannot make a prediction on the center mid situation. It will all depend on what Ben Olsen wants to accomplish and what style of midfield he wants to run.
What DC will be dealing with will not be a team with superstars and a crazy amount of talent. Jason Kreis has put together a team of solid players that play hard and as a team. Any lack of form should be blamed on devastating injuries and a tough early season international schedule. Even with a few injuries that have affected their offensive production, their strong defense is more than capable of handling United’s attack this weekend. While I hate to say it, I think DC will be on the losing end of this match, but I have certainly been wrong before and DC has exceded expectations multiple times this season. Anything is possible.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2-1 DC United
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
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