In boxing, the tale of the tape is the pre-fight measurements between the two combatants. In 2013, we're telling the tale of the tape between D.C. United and its foe of the week.
Home-Field Disadvantage
The Fire has not defeated United at Toyota Park since a 1-0 win in 2006. Since then, United has won three of its seven trips to Toyota Park, with four draws, including a 1-1 result in the final match of last season.
Vulnerable Interval
The Chicago Fire has given up an MLS-high six of its 17 goals allowed in the 61st-75th minute marks this season.
Netting vs. the Fire
Only the Columbus Crew (69) and FC Dallas (68) have notched more goals all-time vs. the Chicago Fire than D.C. United (62). In two matches against the Fire last year, United tallied a total five goals.
U.S. Open Cup Advancement
Three days after United’s last League match vs. Portland, a 2-0 loss, the Black-and-Red traveled to City Stadium on 5/28 to face its USL PRO affiliate the Richmond Kickers in the third round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With five players on loan with the Kickers, United recalled three – Taylor Kemp, Conor Shanosky and Casey Townsend – for the domestic tournament. The other two, Andrew Dykstra and Michael Seaton, both started for Richmond. After 120 scoreless minutes, the teams went to penalties, where United GK Joe Willis stonewalled the first two Kickers PK attempts. The Black-and-Red advanced by a 4-2 advantage and will face the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round on June 12 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.
Hamid With USMNT, Willis Stepping In
Homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid was called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) for the country’s friendly against Germany – USSF’s Centennial Celebration Match – on June 2 at RFK Stadium. As such, Hamid will remain in D.C. with the USMNT while Joe Willis and Andrew Dykstra will travel with United to Chicago for this MLS fixture. Willis and Dykstra, interestingly enough, faced each other in a penalty shootout in Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match.
D.C. United returns to RFK on June 15 to take on Toronto FC - Tickets available now.
