Building off arguably the most successful stretch of its season, D.C. United heads to Centurylink Field Saturday for a match with the Seattle Sounders.
With just two more games before the Major League Soccer World Cup break, United hopes to snag a few more points on the road in Seattle before a short turnaround against Toronto. Seattle, which has also struggled this season, is looking for its first goal and win in more than three matches.
“It is never easy going out west, but we feel like our road mindset is a good one right now,” D.C. United coach Ben Olsen said. “I feel we turned a corner a little bit on who we are and how we are going to go about winning games on the road.”
The Sounders found luck last season against United in a shocking second half comeback after going down 3-0 in the first half. That match ended 4-3 in Seattle’s favor. United will leave that match in the past going into Saturday.
When asked if last year’s match played into preparation for this season’s match up, Olsen responded simple and short: “No.”
Where: CenturyLink Field — Seattle, Washington
When: Saturday, June 9 at 10pm ET
Watch: ESPN+ News Channel 8
Predicted Starting XI: David Ousted; Oneil Fisher, Frédéric Brillant, Steven Birnbaum, Joseph Mora; Junior Moreno, Zoltan Stieber, Paul Arriola, Luciano Acosta, Yamil Asad; Darren Mattocks
Open Cup
After yet another bye week in Major League Soccer, United got a refreshing midweek challenge from USL side North Carolina FC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The Open Cup allowed Olsen to give players some much needed minutes. The Open Cup also allows United some much need consistent schedule of games before a long stretch of home games with the opening of Audi Field on July 14 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“We have yet to be tested with quick turnarounds,” Olsen said. “When we come home, the constant games are going to be more of a common thing. Games are what everybody needs. That is why I am happy we advanced.”
Defender Jalen Robinson played in place of Brillant. Defender Kofi Opare wasn’t available due to injury. Midfielder Ian Harkes, Bruno Miranda and forward Dane Kelly also got crucial minutes in the competition.
United host Orlando City SC on June 20 at 7 p.m. ET at Maryland SoccerPlex in the Round of 16.
“[The match] will fall into that region of time where the World Cup break is,” Olsen said. “Because of our lack of games through this potion of the season, it is nice to advance and get a game.”
Injury Report
D.C United has recently seen its fair share of injuries. Midfielder Russell Canouse, defender Taylor Kemp, Nick DeLeon and Kofi Opare are all injured.
“The depth is okay, but we certainly have more injuries than we want,” Olsen said. “I feel like we certainly have enough players right now to win games. We might have to rely on guys that haven’t had many minutes, which is why in the Open Cup game, it was nice to see those guys do so well.”
DeLeon is the most recent player to catch the injury bug. The defender’s knee flared up after the tie with LAFC. He will not need surgery, but he is a question mark this week. Fisher will likely start in place of DeLeon.
Praising Stewart
The U.S. Soccer Federation named former U.S. men’s national team player Earnie Stewart the general manager of the USMNT.
Stewart played midfield for the national team from 1990 to 2004 and spent 2003-2004 with D.C. United. Olsen played alongside the new GM at both national and club level.
“Earnie is one of my favorite teammates of all time and a very smart guy. I think it is a great choice,” Olsen told Pro Soccer USA. “It is a great choice all around whether it is the role itself or the person they are hiring.”