Steve Birnbaum will face off against U.S. Men’s National Team teammates Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley when D.C. United host Toronto FC this Saturday. The defender, who most recently played alongside the two U.S. veterans in the United States’ 4-0 World Cup Qualifying win over Guatemala in March, has gained invaluable experience against top-level opponents that he can draw on in his play for United. Having played against Altidore and Bradley numerous times in national team training sessions, the Black-and-Red center back knows what to expect when the two MLS sides meet at RFK.
Birnbaum has started and played 90 minutes in five of United’s six games this season (the only exception being the March 26 match against FC Dallas, which he missed due to national team duty). Gifted with impeccable timing and an impressive vertical jump, Birnbaum is a formidable opponent in the air, regularly rising to win 50/50 duels and clear dangerous ball from the penalty area. In 2015, he finished third in the league in aerial challenges won (71 percent)--an asset that will be critical against the offensive threat that his international teammates pose.
With Altidore’s physical presence inside the box an ever-present concern to opposing defenses, Birnbaum’s ability in the air will be a key factor to keeping the visitors off the board, while his tenacity and fitness should cause problems for the big Toronto forward as he tries to find space near the goal. Likewise, Birnbaum’s capacity to clear danger from the area will be important against the playmaking abilities of Michael Bradley, whose dead ball quality and ability to send lofted services over the top are always a threat.
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Birnbaum’s consistency and composure will also be a help against Toronto. Poised and confident beyond his 25 years, the California native is tactically astute and cool under pressure--qualities which have kept him a regular in the United lineup since his rookie season, where he has developed a thriving partnership with longtime league veteran and mentor Bobby Boswell. This partnership has given Birnbaum a level of comfort in his club-team role that his international teammates perhaps lack. (Altidore is in only his second season with Toronto and recently returned from injury, while Bradley is having to grow accustomed to playing in a deeper role than last year.) Nevertheless, with Bradley looking to play-make from a holding position and Altidore a constant threat in front of goal along with reigning league MVP Sebastian Giovinco, look for Birnbaum to draw on his experience and defensive expertise against these top-quality opponents.
The match kicks off at RFK Stadium at 5 PM ET on NewsChannel 8.
