DC United Heads to Canada

DC United leaves the nation’s capital to travel up north to BMO Field to face Toronto FC. This is a big match for United. Toronto has been plagued by administration issues and coaching since they came into the league in 2007 and it hasn’t gotten much better lately. To make matters worse, they lost their main playmaker Dwayne De Rosario to New York. These issues aside, you have to respect their passionate fan base that continues to stand beside them.

Earlier this week, Toronto played the LA Galaxy to a 0-0 draw at BMO Field. Against a team like the Galaxy, that was a good result, so DC will have to be on their game. BMO Field in Toronto is crowded and loud every match which could pose problems. United may be without star rookie Perry Kitchen against Toronto, who has been out with an intestinal illness that he picked up while in Guatemala. If he is not available, all signs point to academy product Ethan White to make his third start alongside Dejan Jakovic at center back.

Up front, DC looks to have a competition for the two forward spots between Blake Brettschnieder, Charlie Davies, and Josh Wolff. Davies may get his first start for United alongside Wolff with Brettschnieder moving to the bench. Davies has made a lot happen with his limited amount of minutes, and if he is healthy, he is a dynamic goal scorer.  Wolff has also impressed so far, and their partnership could pay big dividends.

The goalkeeper position for this match seems to be locked up with Bill Hamid now healthy again. The midfield staring positions will be up for grabs. There are a lot of question marks on who will start. Dax McCarty seems to be the only one with a starting position locked in. A Branko Boskovic-Dax McCarty-Clyde Simms-Andy Najar line-up seems likely but we will have to see what coach Ben Olsen decides to do.

This should be an exciting match. DC has had trouble on the road for some time, and this is an excellent chance for them to get 3 points on the road. If United can tune out the tough crowd noise and play against the other eleven in red, 3 points is a good possibility.