Saturday features one of D.C. United’s biggest matches of the year to date, as I-95 rivals and MLS Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union hit RFK Stadium for what promises to be a compelling clash (7:00 p.m, broadcast live on Fox Soccer).
Led by former United boss Peter Nowak, who led D.C. to its last MLS Cup championship as a rookie coach in 2004, the Union have made great strides in their second year of existence. The club has built one of the toughest defenses in the league, allowing just 14 goals in 16 games so far, and has cultivated a large, dedicated fan base that regularly fills their picturesque PPL Park home, located on the banks of the Delaware River.
United have experienced an up-and-down campaign in coach Ben Olsen’s first full season at the helm, but are presently buzzing thanks to this week’s surprise acquisition of veteran playmaker Dwayne De Rosario from the New York Red Bulls. The 33-year-old Canadian international has won almost every honor available in MLS over his impressive career and the Black-and-Red hope his vision and creativity holds the missing link for their talented but inconsistent attack.
D.C. also traded allocation money to the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Brandon McDonald, a 25-year-old defender who may step right into the starting lineup to bolster a young United back line.
The Eastern Conference is lagging noticeably behind the West in terms of overall quality. So despite stressing a long-term, youth-oriented approach under Olsen, United seem to have made the judgment that a playoff spot is theirs for the taking if they can build momentum in the season’s second half.
Saturday is “Kids’ Day” at RFK, featuring special activities and prizes for young fans at the VW Garage, located behind the north goal. United will also wear their red alternate kits at home for the first time as part of the “Mission: Red Card Cancer” project, a drive to inspire awareness and raise funds to support cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.