Simple X’s and O’s don’t convey how important this one is, a battle for the top spot in the Eastern Conference between D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City. With thoughts of the postseason beginning to take hold in Major League Soccer, the Black-and-Red visit Sporting Park two points behind the Eastern Conference leaders with a game in hand.
“It’s a big game,” said D.C. United goalkeeping coach Preston Burpo. “First and second place teams in a place that’s one of the best to play in the league in terms of fans and the stadium. It should be fun.”
- Reminder: Watch DCU vs. SKC on dcunited.com/live at 8:30 p.m. this Saturday
United, led by veterans like Bobby Boswell, Davy Arnaud and Perry Kitchen, understands when it’s time to take care of business. Last weekend, after a two-game skid, the team bounced back with a convincing 4-2 win over Colorado.
“It was nice to regroup and put both those games behind us quickly and have a positive game on both ends against Colorado,” said Burpo. “There were some good defensive plays. Then, obviously, offensively things were moving well for us. With [Fabián] Espíndola, Luis Silva, Chris Rolfe, Taylor Kemp being involved and Nick DeLeon finding good spots. It was a great night.”
In addition to the confidence boost from the victory over the Rapids, D.C. earned a win in its CONCACAF Champions League opener against Waterhouse FC three days later. Those who logged big minutes against Colorado were rested or used sparingly while their teammates logged a well-deserved win over the Jamaican side, setting the stage for a full strength first team to take the field against the reigning MLS Cup champions.
- Next at home: August 31 vs. New York Red Bulls with a special ceremony to honor the 2004 MLS Cup championship team
“We started going over Kansas City’s roster and what they might look like this weekend,” Burpo said. “It’s been a positive week, getting a win both in the league and in CONCACAF. The energy has been high in training, and spirits have been good.”
That energy will be called upon in a stadium known for an enthusiastic environment and against a team that is in first place in the Eastern Conference for a reason.
“[Graham] Zusi is a huge part of their team on set pieces and in the run of play,” said Burpo. “[Benny] Feilhaber is having a fantastic year for them; he’s become an integral piece in their midfield, and [Dom] Dwyer is in the goal-leading chase.
“On set pieces, now you’re dealing with [Matt] Besler and [Aurelien] Collin. They have a lot of pieces to deal with. Defensively, we’ll have to be tuned in and make sure we’re compact throughout the field.”
Despite the challenge, D.C. United understands the opportunity at hand and the steps the team must continue to take to achieve its goals this season.
“They’ll be aggressive; they’re at home, but hopefully we can get a hold of the ball early and settle things down,” he said. “We’ll keep things nice and tight defensively. It will be a good battle, a good night.”
