It’s matchday for the Black-and-Red as they gear up to take on NYCFC at Red Bull Arena at 8 p.m. ET.
The anticipation is high ahead of this match with three potential D.C. United debuts on the horizon.
D.C. United supporters have been anxiously awaiting the debut of DP striker Christian Benteke. The wait could be over tonight when the former Premier League talisman laces up his boots for the Black-and-Red for the first time.
D.C. United also announced the signing of two new Homegrowns, winger Kristian Fletcher and defender Matai Akinmboni, both of whom have traveled with the first team and will be available for selection tonight.
You don’t want to miss this one. Join us at Mission-Navy Yard for the Official Heineken Watch Party and tune in to NBC Sports Washington, TeleXitos (ES), dcunited.com and ESPN+ for live coverage of the match, with pre-match coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Last Time Out
D.C. traveled to Atlanta on Sunday, and despite finding our feet again on the offensive end, the match finished in defeat for the Black-and-Red.
Taxi Fountas, who leads D.C. United in scoring (10) was forced to leave the match early following a head collision with Atlanta’s Alan Franco. Nonetheless, D.C. United continued to look dangerous and at the beginning of the second half, the Black-and-Red drew first blood.
Newcomer Ravel Morrison opened the scoring and his D.C. United account in stunning fashion. Watch the goal again:
Ola Kamara would also find his 8th goal of the season, nodding home a fantastic cross from Chris Durkin.
But in the end, the defensive concessions were too much to overcome.
Scouting Report
NYCFC has been in stellar form “at home,” winning 10 of their last 11 matches between Yankee Stadium Red Bull Arena.
But the departure of Taty Castellanos on loan to La Liga side Girona has coincided with a difficult run of results. With a postseason berth in site, New York is looking to find their footing after giving up a last-minute winner to Orlando on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney will look to continue instilling his principles with new pieces coming into the fold. His new No. 9 is available and some fresh legs could be stepping up during a busy stretch of games. He’ll have a lot to evaluate.
Next Home Match
The Black-and-Red return home on Sunday, Sept. 4 to take on the Colorado Rapids in what will likely be Christian Benteteke’s debut at Audi Field.