On Thursday night, the New York…ahem New Jersey…Red Bulls come to the nation’s capital to square off against DC United in the MLS Game of the Week. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 8:00 PM eastern time.
DC United comes off probably their best match of the season defeating host Toronto FC 3-0. United dominated for most of the match and showed hopeful signs for the future. New York has also come off a nice win, picking up a 3-0 result against the San Jose Earthquakes. Both teams have shown that they have the ability to score as well as defend.
Thierry Henry got his 2011 scoring campaign off with a goal last game and will be looking to get more verses a United defense that, while talented, is very young. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker is hoping to net one or two more goals as he returns to form. The Red Bulls also have a number of other stars that have been assembled and signed in hopes of giving the club its first trophy.
DC returns back to the comfy confines of RFK Stadium, where in two home games, have produced one win and one draw. DC have shown to be dangerous at home over the past few years, so fans can expect this game to be another good performance for the Black and Red. United can also welcome back an almost fully healthy squad, which I’m sure has made Coach Olsen very relaxed, except for the fact that the starting lineup decisions will be much harder. It seems that DC hasn’t quite found that magic starting 11, with Olsen experimenting with different players.
It is interesting to note that both times DC scored multiple goals in one match, they have gone on to win. The key to this game is to get New York on their heels early, build a strong lead, and then defend that lead, much like what they did against Toronto. New York is much more talented and dangerous, so DC will have work harder and hope for the same results.
Charlie Davies has seemed to cement his starting role at forward and I really like him paring with Josh Wolff. The midfield is always the biggest question, because that is where the most changes have been occurring. I still like Andy Najar, Dax McCarty, Branko Baskovic, and Chris Pontius starting, however that hasn’t happened yet. We’ll probably see Santino Quaranta, McCarty, Clyde Simms, and Pontius with Najar and Baskovic coming on late. In defense, Perry Kitchen (who seems to be back) will be with Dejan Jakovic in the center, and Marc Burch and Chris Korb might get the nods outside. Ethan White, one of DC’s many academy products, has been making great strides, so we may see him in this game. The defense will have to be on their toes against New York’s scoring power. In goal will, without a doubt, be Bill Hamid unless he gets hurt before then.
My prediction for this game is DC United winning 3-2. They always perform pretty good at home, and that is what will push them through this time.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
