Game time is 10 p.m. ET time tonight, as United takes on Deportivo Saprissa for the second and final time in Group A play. Saprissa took the tournament-opener 2-0 at RFK Stadium back on Sept. 16.
Tonight's game will have a much different feel as United sent just 16 players to San José, most of whom are reserves. Saprissa is without five of its best players - all of whom have been called up to National Team duty. The game can be seen on Fox Soccer Channel and heard on WFED 1050 AM.
United's 16 players have an average age of only 22.6 years. The squad has just a single player over the age of 30 in Gonzalo Martinez at 32 years old (in fact the next oldest are Zach Wells and Boyzzz Khumalo, who are both 27). If you don't include Martinez, the team averages just 22 years of age.
The guys will certainly have their work cut out for them tonight, but after a spirited performance last week in a 1-0 loss to Cruz Azul, they seem to be confident in getting a positive result.
Here are a few things you should read in advance of this evening's match...
- John Haydon's piece in the Washington Times focuses on United's young squad.
- Steve Goff with a mini-preview in the Washington Post.
- Charlie Boehm says United is hopeful via his preview/update on dcunited.com.
- Finally, a short note on the game from local Tico Times.
How do you feel about making a prediction? Feel free to do so in the comments below.
