WASHINGTON–D.C. United is well aware of what Saturday’s match against the Montreal Impact means.
“I don’t remember [a game] this far out that had these implications,” coach Ben Olsen said. “The whole last month of MLS is a lot of fun.”
United kicked off its time at Audi Field with a back-loaded MLS schedule and a superstar from England to equal the perfect combination for a late playoff push. Right now, the wall in United’s way is Montreal. Here are the numbers:
6 – the final position in MLS standings that makes it into the postseason. Currently, Montreal holds that position, but United is close behind.
40 – Montreal’s current point total after a three-match unbeaten streak. Montreal has a record of (12-14-4) with 42 goals this season.
35 – United’s current point total with a record of (9-11-8) and 48 goals.
2 – The amount of matches United has in hand on Montreal. United has six games left in the regular season–five of which will be played at Audi Field.
“We aren’t in the playoffs. We won’t be in the playoffs until the last week or two of the playoffs. That is the reality,” Olsen said during the bye week. “The only thing we can control–it’s cliche, but true–is getting our bodies and mind rights against Montreal. Then we will go from there.”
Montreal and United met once prior this season in a 1-1 draw on Aug. 4. Midfielder Yamil Asad scored the equalizer in the match. Asad will likely be available for United Saturday for the first time in five matches.
Both clubs capitalized on the summer transfer window. United brought in Wayne Rooney, who raised the level of the club, while the Impact brought in a few veterans of its own. Forward Quincy Amarikwa, midfielder Michael Azira and former English Premier League defender Bacary Sagna joined the Impact in August.
“We are both better teams across the board,” Olsen said. “Both teams have additions to their squads that have bolstered their group in a lot of different ways. The proof of that is in the results.”
Where: Audi Field–Washington D.C.
When: Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET
Watch: WJLA 24/7 & ESPN+
Predicted Starting XI: Bill Hamid; Bill Hamid; Joseph Mora, Steve Birnbaum, Jalen Robinson, Oneil Fisher; Junior Moreno, Russell Canouse; Yamil Asad, Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola; Wayne Rooney
Depth Returning
United enters Saturday’s match after a break for the first time since the opening of Audi Field. Aside from a midweek friendly against Honduran team CD Olimpia last week, United players rested, and many returned to health.
Versatile defender Nick DeLeon and Asad trained with the team this week, while Brillant showed signs of improvement after concussion symptoms. When asked about the status of DeLeon, Asad, Brillant and defender Kofi Opare, Olsen said “three of the four” would be available for the roster against Montreal.
“As nice as it was to get our bodies back after what was a long stretch of games, it has been a long two weeks,” Olsen said. “We certainly had plenty of time to heal up and focus on Montreal.”
Options at outside back
The potential return of DeLeon adds another option to a position that United suffered the biggest hit to this season. With defender Taylor Kemp out for the season and DeLeon’s injury, United picked up two additional options at outside back in Vytas and Kevin Ellis.
United had this week off, but will face another couple matches during the international break between Oct. 6 and Oct 17. Ellis, who played 90 minutes in the friendly against Olimpia, is eager to prove he can be the next man up.
“For me, I did’t have the luxury to take it as a friendly,” Ellis said. “It was meaningful minutes for me. I wanted to show the staff and the guys on the team that I can contribute to the team when I am needed.”
He joins United after a short run at the Chicago Fire. The Sporting Kansas City homegrown has played just 11 minutes for United in MLS play.
“You can tell that he is eager. He is a pit bull. He sees the game really well,” Olsen said. “Very rarely can you get that type of experience in this league in the summer transfer window. He is going to play in it somehow. They usually do down the stretch”
Premier League Fans
Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, Alan Shearer, paid a visit to old friend Rooney and Audi Field while in town for NBC Sports live recording of Premier League Morning. There are 468 Premier League goals between Rooney and Shearer.
Great to see you mate 👍🏼 https://t.co/R18p9WDxCP
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) September 28, 2018