DC United returns to RFK Stadium for three matches in the next two weeks with the first match coming against the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids (5-5-0) come in winning two of their last three, while United (5-4-3) have lost two of their last three. It will be the only meeting between the two clubs this season.
Colorado traditionally has a solid attack which is led by Conor Casey and Omar Cummings. But with Cummings listed as out, and Casey coming back from an injury (listed as probable), it’s realistic to expect their attack to be slightly off, but not completely gone. Still though, their defense is pretty good. Jeff Larentowicz is their version of Perry Kitchen, only older. He’s a solid defensive midfielder and his matchup against Dwayne De Rosario should be a good one.
On the United side, it hasn’t all been good news lately with injuries. Against Houston, Perry Kitchen and Chris Pontius both left early for injuries. Fortunately, Kitchen’s MRI showed no lasting damage, so it is slightly possible for him to return for the Colorado match, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sit this one out just to be safe. I haven’t seen any major injury news on Pontius either, so I assume the forward is also good to go.
Bill Hamid has been money since coming back to the starting lineup. In two matches, he’s allowed just one goal, and in total he’s allowed two goals in three matches this season. Even with a makeshift defense, he’s been able to keep opponents at bay for the most part. With some of the defensive starters beginning to get back to training, I expect this sort of play to continue.
Speaking of defense, Ethan White hasn’t been in a match since last season, but he is listed as probable for this upcoming match. I am looking forward to his return. I’ve always thought well of White, and since Dudar and Jakovic are still battling injuries which are keeping them out of the lineup, White’s return could come at a crucial time. Hopefully the injury bug has come and gone and we can get everyone back to full strength. I’m sick of hearing about another player going down.
To cap things off, I think I said in my last article I wanted to see DC get at least six points out of these next three home matches. Of course, seven to nine would be the best. United has a good chance to beat the Rapids on Wednesday, and hopefully we’ll see the Black and Red grab another three points. This will also be my first match to watch (or at least attempt to watch) in person during my stay in Washington D.C. this summer, so hopefully I can see the win myself!
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
