[bc_video video_id=”5770505773001″ account_id=”3690581442001″ player_id=”BJ7w3mHO” embed=”in-page” padding_top=”56%” autoplay=”” min_width=”0px” max_width=”640px” width=”100%” height=”100%”]
Toronto FC’s recent CONCACAF Champions League success provided a rare early bye week for D.C. United, but the time off came in the midst of frustration.
United was originally scheduled to play Toronto last Saturday, but MLS rescheduled the match to accommodate the Canadian side’s deep run to the CCL final. Toronto is only the third MLS club in the last decade to make it to the final.
“It is a very important matchup for Toronto,” Olsen said. “Ultimately, I am a fan of this league and if it is going to set them up to succeed in CONCAF, I am all for it.”
With Audi Field — and all its rumors — still three months away, United now hosts the Columbus Crew in a rare shot at redemption. Here’s what you need to know about the match.
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium – Annapolis, Maryland
When: Saturday, April 14 at 7 pm ET
Watch: NewsChannel8, ESPN+
Predicted Starting XI: Steve Clark; Joseph Mora, Steven Birnbaum, Frédéric Brillant, Nick DeLeon; Yamil Asad, Chris Durkin, Ulises Segura, Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola; Darren Mattocks
Redemption
The previous matchup between these two clubs was so recent that United can still build of the emotion of a tough loss in Columbus.
United fell to a Columbus side who were missing starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen and captain Wil Trapp on international duty.
Columbus is currently having some struggles of their own. They dropped two games following the victory over United, including losses to Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps.
Meanwhile, United is still searching for its first win of the season.
Injury Report
The extra week of training allowed midfielders Russell Canouse and Junior Moreno time to return to training with the team.
“First and foremost, there are some guys who need two weeks of real trainings and controlled trainings,” Olsen said. “In particular, Moreno, Canouse, Kemp is coming around. Getting some bodies back will help.”
Youth national team member Chris Durkin will likely get the start in the No. 6 position with Canouse and Moreno as potential options off the bench.
United play Columbus this week before yet another weekend off before traveling to Philadelphia.
The on-again-off-again schedule adds an additional challenge to a United team still searching for chemistry.
“We are working on some of the deficiencies. Exhaling a little bit,” Olsen said. “It has been a long road, even this early in the season. It is good for the guys to exhale. We needed to step back for a second.”
Potential goalkeeper change
Typical starting goalkeeper David Ousted has been dealing with a foot injury the last couple weeks, leaving the door open for Steve Clark.
Clark is no stranger to MLS or the Columbus Crew. Clark played and started for Columbus from 2014-2016 before making the move overseas to AC Horsens in Denmark. Saturday could be Clark’s first start of the season for United.
When matchday and your birthday align. 🙌 Have a good one, Steve! #DCU pic.twitter.com/3GKiwAk7Ld
— D.C. United (@dcunited) April 14, 2018