DC United are in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in 2007, and Ben Olsen will surely be preparing his squad for a battle tested New York Red Bulls squad full of firepower. DC United will play at RFK Stadium instead of playing at Red Bull Arena during the first leg on November 3rd at 8 pm eastern, while then returning to Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, November 7th at 8 pm.eastern. Due to recent conditions in NY/NJ from Hurricane Sandy, DC graciously accepted to take the first home match.
This was a class decision by both clubs to come to an agreement so quickly as it is the best decision for both of the teams. Ben Olsen leads DC United back into the playoffs with a stunning run to end the season of 5-0-2 with an excellent away record at a crucial time in the season. United and New York are 1-1-1 this regular season however in the MLS Cup Playoffs DC sport a 5-1-1 record with its only loss coming back in 1996. DC finished the regular season with a 17-10-7 record (58 points) and have gone sixteen home games without a loss.
New York will definitely pose a threat to DC despite Chris Pontius’ midweek proposal that he is happy to be playing DC United. The firepower of former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, Thierry Henry, Kenny Cooper, and Tim Cahill will attack DC’s back line and test Bill Hamid plenty. DC United must remain sound on defense with keeping a keen eye on Henry who sported 15 goals and 12 assists during the regular season. While Henry can made something out of nothing, center defenders Brandon MacDonald and Dejan Jakovic must remain steadfast in his providing capabilities to the likes of Kenny Cooper and Joel Lindpere. Kenny Cooper is coming off of two goals in last weekends match to lead New York to a 3-0 victory and 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. Not only are New York’s forward top class, but Perry Kitchen will also have a handful dealing with Dax McCarty getting forward and Dane Richards hard-nose defending and midfield presence.
The confidence in the DC United camp is high with in form captain, Chris Pontius making statements about “loving” the matchup. In an article in the Washington Times, Chris Pontius stated that he “likes the way we match up, I like the players that I’ve got, and I’ll take the players on my team any day over any of their players.” Earlier in the year, DC throttled the Red Bulls 4-1 at RFK Stadium but DC also must be aware of how Red Bull Arena will be a packed house. Although Chris Pontius may not be lighting up the scoresheet as much as he would like to as of late, he has been relentless along the flanks and providing leadership to the youngsters of the squad.
Let’s not forget about goalkeeper Bill Hamid however. Hamid played one of the best games of his career against the 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire last Saturday. Hamid was called up to make save after save, and kept DC United level to secure 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference. Ben Olsen explained that “He’s become a guy with a real presence in there […] As long as he continues to stay at this level, be consistent and improve, he’s got an unbelievable future.” And rightly so. With Tim Howard aging, and the USA team seeing more youth injected into its squad by Jurgen Klinsmann, Hamid will have his chance eventually. With the saves made by Hamid, and his agility and presence in goal, Klinsmann will have no choice to eventually call up this 21 year old.
In front of Hamid, will be the likely quartet of Korb, MacDonald, Jakovic and Najar. Look for Najar to play a key role in getting forward and linking up with both Pontius and rookie, Nick DeLeon. Nick DeLeon has been a key figure in the midfield who has helped out on defense and linked up well with Perry Kitchen. Again, with the loss of De Rosario, United has only seemed to become more “united” and their bench has seemingly become deeper. Lewis Neal can make an impact at any moments notice, Saragosa has injected life into DC United’s midfield, and Santos, Pajoy and Salihi have provided key goals down the stretch for DC’s playoff run. DC look to score plenty past the Red Bulls goalkeeper, Ryan Meara. In this two legged home and away series for DC United, scoring will be key and away goals will play no part. My keys to the match for DC United are for DC to come out of the gates strong and attacking on Saturday nights game, as Ben Olsen will want his squad to get on the scoreboard early and maintain a clean sheet. It would not be surprising if Olsen opted to play both Lewis Neal and Perry Kitchen in the center of midfield right in front of their back line, but I am sure there will be some sort of attacking fluidity.
DC United will be hungry for a win in both games of this semifinal match up. With De Rosario quickly recovering from his injury, a run in the playoffs could possibly see him return to the lineup which would even more so improve DC’s chances of bringing the Cup back to RFK Stadium.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
