DC United takes on the Chicago Fire this Saturday at 7.30pm on Saturday. Coming into this game, Chicago is 0-2-1 and DC is 0-3-0.
The key to this game is going to be to see how United’s double-makeshift back line performs against 4-3-3 of the Chicago Fire. Collins John, one of their three strikers, is in second place for shots on goal for the season so far, with 6. Brian McBride is a solid striker as well. The reserves match makes me scared about this back line, and especially Devon McTavish. He received a pass in the United box, got it stuck under his foot, tried to pass it back to the goalkeeper Hamid, and it was intercepted and put into the goal. This was against Real Maryland!
Another interesting tidbit from the reserves game: Christian Castillo wasn’t good enough to stay on the field for them. From the United official website:
At the half, United made one change, bringing on trialist Edrissa Jarra – a 18-year old forward from Gambia – for Christian Castillo. The new face nearly made an immediate impact in the 47th minute, when he snuck past Real Maryland’s defenders with the ball and into the goal box – he just about made his way around the goalkeeper, but was stuffed at the last minute.
Not only did United start playing better against the Union when Castillo was taken off and Pontius put out on the wing, but the reserves team started playing better when Castillo was taken off for an 18 year old trialist!
Injuries have made the lineup a little easier to figure out. Here’s the lineup I think we’ll see on Saturday. If Barklage can’t go, due to a concussion, I wouldn’t mind seeing Najar out there. He played well in the reserve match in the middle, scoring a goal off a free kick. I also wouldn’t be too surprised if Najar got the start, but I think Onalfo will go with Barklage.
Perkins
McTavish Talley James Wallace
Pontius Morsink Barklage Quaranta
Allsopp Moreno
Hope springs eternal: I’m going to go with 2-1 to United, with a brace by Moreno.
Before Extra Time 