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D.C. United

D.C. United heads south for a clash of the Uniteds in Atlanta

D.C. United travels south Sunday for a clash of the Uniteds.

Despite meeting Atlanta United three times last year, D.C. will be making its first trip to the 71,000-plus capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 3 p.m. match.

“I haven’t been to Mercedes-Benz,” D.C. coach Ben Olsen said. “Anytime you get in front of that many people, it is exciting as a player.”

The Black-and-Red won all three of its meetings with the 2017 expansion side, including two home games and a game at Bobby Dodd Stadium during the construction of Atlanta’s new home. D.C. had a little help from Atlanta defender Michael Parkhurst, though, who scored two own goals in two separate games against last year. Parkhurst’s own goals landed him in the top half of the D.C. score sheet.

“We had some success against [Atlanta] last year,” Olsen said. “But being honest, we rode our luck against them.”

D.C. started 2018 on a better note. The team put together a quality first half against Orlando City SC on opening day, but failed to secure all three points after a stoppage time goal from substitute Stefano Pinho.

“We have to maintain the ball,” Olsen said. “In the second half of the game against Orlando we didn’t do that. If you can’t secure the ball and sustain possession, you’re going to eat it a little.”

Midfielder Yamil Asad scored D.C.’s only goal of the match with a free kick in the 32nd minute.

Can the newly-minted D.C. United midfielder do it again in front of a familiar crowd against his former club in Atlanta?

Asad returns to his first MLS home

United acquired Argentine midfielder Asad from Atlanta last month. In 2017, his first MLS season, Asad scored seven goals and recorded 13 assists.

With the return of D.C. centerpiece Luciano Acosta to the midfield, Asad will get his first game minutes alongside the fellow Argentinian. Asad will likely remain out wide left.

Acosta sat out the opening match due to a suspension carried over from the 2017 season.

Asad’s seven goals with Atlanta last season add offensive numbers where D.C. lacked – Acosta led the team last year with five goals. Asad also offers relief for Acosta, who struggled under constant pressure from opposing teams.

D.C. knew Asad was available for most of the offseason. The process of acquisition was more drawn out, and there were a lot of moving parts, including his MLS rights in Atlanta and working with his team in Argentina.

“His work ethic is amazing,” Olsen said. “He knows our league, and that helps.”

Asad has United’s only goal this season and looks to quickly build on that, but the 23-year-old may hold off on celebrating in front of his former club if he does score again.

“I’ll always think positively about [my time in Atlanta]. I have great respect for the fans and the people of Atlanta,” Asad said. “I don’t see why I would celebrate a goal there if I was to score.”

Acosta back in the lineup

D.C. United will likely maintain a similar lineup to their game against Orlando with one major exception. Acosta will likely start in the number 10 spot for the Black-and-red. Olsen made it no secret that the team works through Acosta.

Predicted Starting IX: David Ousted; Oniel Fisher, Steven Birnbaum, Frederic Brillant, Nick DeLeon; Asad, Acosta, Zoltan Steiber, Paul Arriola; Darren Mattocks

A busy week in DC

D.C. United added two new players to its roster this week after Pro Soccer USA first reported the moves. Costa Rican defender Joseph Mora and Jamaican defender Dane Kelly joined United at training on Tuesday ahead of the match in Atlanta.

Kelly, who won the USL Golden Boot in 2017, adds depth to United’s attack at the forward position. Mora will compete for a starting role at left back in the absence of defender Taylor Kemp. Kemp had complications after surgery for a sports hernia. Olsen said Kemp’s timetable back to the field is unclear.

Returning to Richmond Kickers

On Friday, D.C. United announced their extended partnership with the USL side Richmond Kickers. In addition to the partnership, United shared that goalkeeper Travis Worra and midfielder Bruno Miranda will join Richmond on loan.

Audi Field bag policy

D.C. United wasn’t done with the announcements just yet. The club shared its new clear bag policy for all home games including Audi Field and the two off-site home games. The policy is identical to the NFL’s “All Clear” initiative.

Fans are allowed one clear, plastic bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. Gallon-size freezer bags are acceptable. Fans are also allowed one bag or clutch smaller than 6.5” x 4.5”. Exceptions will be made for patrons with medical needs outside the size requirements.