Team
D.C. United Training Notes: May 2
United hit the training field on this sunny May morning, hoping that with the beginning of a new month comes a beginning of a new season. After a few laps around the field, agility work and some passing drills, the Black-and-Red got after it. The competitive juices were definitely flowing while United played a transition drill, working on speed of play and counter attacks. Then, the team went to battle in a scrimmage to end the session.
Previous matches provide building blocks
In addition to the untimely injuries to key components of D.C. United’s midfield, one of the club’s biggest problems through eight matches this season has been the inability to play as a cohesive unit.
The defense has a good game, the attack struggles to generate chances. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid makes several impressive saves, the forwards can’t finish. The offense finds its stride, the defense collapses.
D.C. United Training Notes
Despite a 1-6-1 (4 points) start to the 2013 campaign, the Black-and-Red remained focused on getting better with every day. While the final result has been lacking in front of goal, D.C. United has been creating ample opportunities over the past two games.
United – just like the Club’s name
US Open Cup field set
May 7 marks the first match of the 2013 US Open Cup, which runs through the first week in October. In it's 100th year, the Open Cup is the oldest soccer tournament in the United States. D.C. United has a long history of success in the tournament, winning the title in 1996 and 2008 and placing second in 1997 and 2009.
Outlook good for Pontius' injury
As was reported last week, Chris Pontius suffered a groin injury in training on Thursday. The D.C. United midfielder did not travel to Columbus this past weekend as the team lost 0-3 to the Crew.
By the Numbers: April 27, 2013
21
D.C. United made 21 attempts at goal on Saturday. That is three times as many as the Crew made. The 21 chances included six shots on target, eight shots off target, and seven blocked chances. With ringers off the post, and big saves by Crew keeper Andy Gruenenbaum, United fell short but not for lack of opportunities created. Watch: Match highlights
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Statement: Mark McCullers on stadium fire
Spotlight: Ethan White
Entering as a halftime sub for Brandon McDonald, Homegrown defender Ethan White logged time on the field – in a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew – for the first time since 10/22/11. Following the interval, United only allowed two shots (0 on target) and two corner kicks from the Crew. White himself posted significant numbers in key defensive categories, including successful passes (29), headers (4) and clearances (3).
Recap: D.C. United 0 - Columbus Crew 3
Preview: D.C. United at Columbus Crew
D.C. United is heading to Columbus to take on the Crew on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET; Romantica 900AM / MLS Direct Kick Package). The Black-and-Red, coming off a 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Union at RFK last Sunday, is looking to earn three points this weekend—something the team hasn’t accomplished since March 9.
