With solid positioning in the CONCACAF Champions League following a 2-1 win over Waterhouse FC in, D.C. United (14-9-5) turns its attention back to the MLS regular season and its march to the postseason, facing a Chicago Fire side (5-7-15) in desperate need of wins to make a late run at the playoffs.
“Right now we’re just focused on Chicago,” said D.C. United Captain Bobby Boswell. “We’ve had a long stretch here on the road, and we’re just focused on a Chicago team that needs points.”
As the Black-and-Red prepares for its Eastern Conference clash, there are a few timely returns to the gameday the roster. Chris Korb is back in action, Eddie Johnson is recovering from his concussion and Chris Pontius gets closer to full strength each day.
“Everyday, [Pontius is] getting better and every game we’ll try to push his minutes, but we don’t want setbacks,” said D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “We also understand that he’s going to be our key piece down the stretch for us, and he needs to push his minutes. There’s what I want to do with him, and there’s what we should do. So far we’ve been sticking with what we should do.”
Pontius played 23 minutes in United’s CCL match in Jamaica on Tuesday, entering into a mix of usual starters and nonstarters. Though the long travel days prove tough for players, allowing those who don’t log many minutes to get game experience is beneficial heading into this crucial stretch to finish the regular season.
“Right now, we can’t rest,” said Boswell. “We have to come together now more than ever.”
