DC United return to RFK Stadium on Friday night to host FC Dallas in the fourth week of MLS play. United (0-2-1) are still seeking their first win of the 2012 campaign, while Dallas (1-1-1) will attempt to stop backtracking on their fast season start. It will be United’s first national television appearance of the year, which will be aired on the new NBC Sports Network.
United come into this match following their first point of the year in a 0-0 draw with Vancouver last week. The overall play of the club has improved since the beginning, but this week will come with a few setbacks. First, Bill Hamid will miss an estimated 1-3 weeks due to a left ankle sprain sustained against El Salvador in the Olympic qualifying tournament. This would be a bigger setback if it were not for Joe Willis who has been a solid replacement in Hamid’s absence. Last week, Willis posted his second shutout in five career starts for the Black and Red.
Along with Hamid, midfielder Perry Kitchen has also returned to RFK and resumed training. Kitchen played every minute of the three qualifying matches for the US U-23 team. Kitchen might be rested or he could play this weekend, it all depends on the condition of Marcelo Saragosa, who has picked up an ankle injury.
On the Dallas side, call ups and a few injuries have limited them early on. Ricardo Villar, on of their better midfielders, is listed as questionable because of a rib injury from last week. Also, star player Brek Shea has been absent with the Olympic team, and might not play this week either while recuperating. One player to watch out for is forward Blas Perez who has one goal and two assists to his name. He’s had a hand in three out of four Dallas goals this season so containing him is a major key to the match. That job will rest on the center backs, especially Emiliano Dudar who was able to contain Eric Hassli last week in Vancouver. Another Dallas factor is keeper Kevin Hartman, who has been one of the best keepers MLS has ever seen. Last season, he posted a whopping 13 shutouts. Not only does the United offense have to create chances, but they better make sure to aim for the corners because Hartman isn’t prone to many mistakes.
Hopefully we’ll see another match where DC improves over the previous match. On the radio yesterday, coach Ben Olsen said United is still looking for their identity and are still adjusting. It would be nice to see United pick up a few goals in this match and win the midfield control battle. If they can get the ball past Hartman a few times, I’m confident that the Black and Red will earn their first win.
Team notes:
- Andy Najar is still away on Olympic duty. Honduras will face off against El Salvador on Saturday March 31 at 6 PM. Any United fans interested can watch on CONCACAF’s webpage.
- United midfielder Lewis Neal is still in England waiting for his work permit.
(image courtesy of Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
