The Union are headed down to RFK to take on last place DC United today. Although many people will look at this and expect an easy victory, it is hard to imagine it will be anything but easy. Although the Union have shown this season that they can win and pick up points on the road they must treat DC with respect. This is a trap game and if the Union are not careful they can loss this one. United who are one of the Union’s top rivals finished in second last season and with the same roster as last season everyone knows they can be deadly. Not to mention DCU have a pair of ex-Union players in Lio Pajoy and Carlos Ruiz, and both will be looking for a bit of revenge against their former club.
DC United have only recorded four points in six games with only one win. The Union have two wins and two losses in their six games. All that gets thrown out for this is a rivalry game and United have a talented roster with a proven history of winning even though they came up short the last few years. Nobody expects them to be at the bottom of the table at the end of the season. Many believe they are a playoff team that just needs a few good breaks to get the ball rolling. Coming from that school of thought the Union are one of those teams that could get the ball rolling for United.
The Union have a strong defense but a weak goalie who is prone to mistakes and has given up soft goals. Also the Union are at a vulnerable stage right now, the offense has proven to be able to create chances but they have not been able to convert them. LeToux, Conor Casey and Jack McInerney are starting together but looking to build cohesion. They have not figured it out just yet. The midfield is also going through a transition with the addition of Kleberson. Hackworth has his handful and it will be hard for him to pick the right starting lineup.
The Union have not fielded a consistent lineup and that is normally a huge sign of problems because consistency is something that the team can build on. They really need to cut the fat of the lineup. Danny Cruz and Keon Daniel have not really contributed this season with Marfan, Garfan and Kleberson all viable options. Cruz has a lot of heart and hustle but his skill is not up to par, it would be in the benefit of the Union to rest him and play Marfan and taking out Keon Daniel and moving Kleberson to the CAM position.
DC United’s defense is in a bit of a low point right now, they are easily beaten and Philadelphia should create many opportunities. But Bill Hamid is in net and he has been able to produce some amazing saves this season. If the Union are able to have a sustained attack then they should be able to get a goal. The Union really need to work on smart passes and being able to work the ball with a good amount of one two passes and plenty of shots.
Prediction: This game is going to be a great high energy game with plenty of chances; I speculate the Union will win 2-1.
Lineups
——–MacMath———-
Williams-Okugo-Parke-Gaddis
——-Carrol——-
Marfan——–Kleberson
MacInerny-Casey-LeToux
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