D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls both boast depth in a number of positions, providing numerous options given each opponent. Particularly interesting will be the matchup of D.C.’s attack and the Red Bulls’ back line: United have used a number of different forwards this season, while New York have been consistent in rotating their center backs. This uncertainty of matchups offers a considerable degree of unpredictability that could benefit both teams.
The pairing of Fabián Espíndola and Chris Rolfe--the most common forward duo that head coach Ben Olsen has used this season--both have a tendency to roam. Espíndola likes to get wide and take players on one-v-one; Rolfe tends to play as more of a withdrawn forward, with the ability to play teammates in as well as get on the end of services himself. Together, they’re a proven threat--Espíndola is tied for most team goals with three, while Rolfe was leading scorer and team MVP in 2015. However, Rolfe remains sidelined with a concussion and Espíndola faces a race to regain fitness following his hamstring strain on April 23.
Of late, Olsen has turned to Álvaro Saborio and Luciano Acosta up top. Though the Costa Rican and Argentine have mostly appeared together as impact substitutes (off the bench, Acosta and Saborío average a goal or an assist every 26 and 33 minutes, respectively), the two made their first start together two weeks ago against Chicago, and their understanding is growing each week. They complement each other well: Acosta, who leads the team with three assists, has been most effective in a creative playmaking role, deftly navigating tight space, playing teammates in and occasionally having a go himself (such as his spectacular Goal of the Week chip assisted by Saborío against New England).
Saborio, meanwhile, plays higher up as a more traditional center forward. The MLS veteran, who is tied with Espíndola for the team lead in goals with three, uses his big frame to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into attack.
While United benefit from variety in the attack, the Red Bulls have been forced to use a variety of central defenders due to injuries and defensive struggles. Though Ronald Zubar and Karl Ouimette have been the most consistent members of the lineup, they’ve played together only twice, instead partnering with a rotating cast of able defenders in Chris Duvall, Gideon Baah and Kemar Lawrence. Baah, brought in over the offseason from Finland to help offset the loss of Matt Miazga, has struggled with injury and hasn’t played for head coach Jesse Marsch since March 19. Ouimette, meanwhile, was the victim of a malicious kick in the back after being loaned to Red Bulls II and Kemar Lawrence is best suited at left back. The arrival of MLS veteran and former all-star Aurélien Collin from Orlando should provide the New York club with more insurance at the back moving forward, and with Baah returning to health soon, the preferred pairing of the two internationals could be right around the corner.
Regardless of who starts up top for United or in the center of defense for New York, the matchup is sure to be exciting, physical, and full of surprises. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 PM on UniMás.
