First Team

D.C. United Preseason Report: Dallas Day 5

players on the bench at preseason in dallas

Daily training report


Dallas: Day 5

After Friday’s final preseason tune-up of 2015, D.C. United’s starters took the day off Saturday, but the rest of the roster squared off against a reserve FC Dallas side in a competitive, yet informal match-up. Jario Arrieta and Conor Doyle combined for the game’s lone goal in the second half as Arrieta set up Doyle for his second tally of the preseason. With the game complete, Head Coach Ben Olsen gave the entire squad the day off as attention turns toward the impending journey south to Costa Rica for Thursday’s first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals at Alajuelense.


On Field Highlight of the Day:
Arrieta making a difference

The easy-going family man was all smiles after his past two performances, having scored his first Black-and-Red goal in Friday’s match and setting up Conor Doyle on Saturday’s game. “It was great,” Arrieta said afterward. “But now I need some more in Costa Rica.” 


Off Field Highlight of the Day:
On Frame

Sean Franklin and Chris Pontius have teamed up for the latest episode of On Frame. See which Disney movie they compare D.C. United to as well as each others quirks as roommates.


Q&A with Fabián Espíndola

DCU: What’s the most important thing for you all as you prepare for next Thursday and Costa Rica?


FE: We need to get some good rest and know that we have to go there and do our good job.  It’s just two games, that’s it. The last game is at RFK so we need to go and have a good result on the road.


DCU: Is it different for you as these are your only two competitive games for a little while?


FE: Oh yeah, absolutely; Even more because of the suspension. My head is completely in these two games.


DCU: How has preseason been?


FE: It’s been long but it’s alright, it's preseason. It’s almost over and we have a huge game to get ready for. 


DCU: At the end of preseason how is this group? How have the guys been?


FE: It’s good. I am super happy to be back with this group and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.