D.C. Dominating at Home
D.C. United have faced Columbus Crew SC a total of 60 times in the regular season. The Black-and-Red hold the upper hand, albeit slightly, with a record of 26-24-10. In Game 60, United earned a 2-0 victory, riding first-half goals from Sean Franklin and Fabián Espíndola. In games played in the District, United hold a robust 19-8-4 record, and will look to extend that home-field dominance Saturday.
Fabi-lous Performance in Return
Speaking of Fabián Espíndola, he made his return to MLS action in United’s game against the Colorado Rapids. Last season’s team MVP had been sidelined since sustaining a sprained knee in a practice session on Aug. 7. Espíndola made an immediate impact for the Black-and-Red, providing the assist on Steve Birnbaum’s game-tying strike in the 87th minute. United will look to him to provide a spark and help the team overcome their four match winless streak in League play.
Lights, Kamara, Action
Columbus forward Kei Kamara comes into the match having just been named Player of the Week for Week 28 by the North American Soccer Reporters. The honor comes after the Sierra Leone native notched a brace in Crew SC’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia on Sept. 12. Those two goals gave Kamara 20 for the season, keeping him atop the league leaderboard. United will have to find a way to contain the forward in Saturday’s match.
United Honor the Armed Forces
Saturday’s game is Armed Forces Night at RFK Stadium. The night is the culmination of the second annual Armed Forces Week, presented by D.C. United and presenting partner Leidos. The week included events held throughout the National Capital Region from Sept. 14 – 19, including a D.C. United Open Practice on Thursday and a Tuesday visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by United players and Leidos employees. D.C. United Chief Operating Officer Tom Hunt shared why the event is so meaningful to United: “[It’s] the chance for our staff and players to connect directly with those who serve and protect our country every day,” said Hunt. The game will have discounted and donated tickets for Armed Forces members, and post-match fireworks.
