WASHINGTON – Facing the defending MLS Cup champions is never an enticing prospect. Having to do it on the heels of a disappointing performance in the previous outing makes it doubly grotesque.
But that's the situation for D.C. United, who travel to Colorado (7 pm ET, Galavisión) on Sunday seeking to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 loss at New England.
UPDATE 04/03/2011:Davies scratched from lineup, Korb ready to continue his progress
“If we play the way we’re capable of playing," said 'keeper Pat Onstad, "like we showed against Columbus – and we bring that sort of energy, keep the ball during long stretches, then we’ve got an opportunity to win the match."
Shutting down the Rapids won’t be an easy task. They boast one of the league’s best forward combinations in Conor Casey and Omar Cummings, who missed last week's match while on international duty with Jamaica. D.C. coach Ben Olsen admits that containing Colorado's dangerous front pair is key to the match.
“Conor’s a beast and he’s got good feet for a guy his size and makes good decisions,” he said. “Obviously, Cummings changes them. He’s a huge part of their success. He stretches defenses, allows others to benefit from his speed, he’s a tough matchup, he always is.”
With a mixture of injuries, suspensions and international absences playing a factor at this early stage in the season, Olsen has some decisions to make in regards to his starting lineup.
Dejan Jakovic and Perry Kitchen are unavailable due to a red-card suspension and international duty, respectively, while Jed Zayner, Clyde Simms both remain out due to injuries.
Then there’s the issue of who starts at forward. Josh Wolff has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but is listed as probable; rookie Blake Brettschneider has impressed in reserve matches and is working hard in training; and Charlie Davies has three goals in two games coming off the bench.
Finally, there’s the issue of having to play 90 minutes at the higher altitude.
“It’s a big factor,” midfielder Dax McCarty said. “Maybe my first year or two, I didn’t think about it because it’s just another game. But a few more years of experience, you realize it takes a toll on your lungs. It’s not so much your legs. You find yourself out of breath a little faster. For them, it’s a tremendous home-field advantage.”
