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.
First Touch, First Assist
Moments after subbing into D.C. United’s international friendly match against Chivas de Guadalajara on 7/12, 17-year-old Homegrown starlet Michael Seaton immediately made his mark, having his first touch – a cross that found veteran forward Carlos Ruiz inside the box – converted for a goal. Subsequently, Seaton recorded an assist with his first-ever touch of the ball in a D.C. United kit.
Home-Field Disadvantage
In United’s last trip to Toyota Park on 6/2, the Black-and-Red was downed 2-0 by the Fire. That marked the first taste of defeat United has felt while playing in Chicago since 2006. In the past seven MLS seasons, D.C. United holds a 3-1-4 record when facing the Fire at Toyota Park.
Career High for Joe Willis
D.C. United goalkeeper Joe Willis made a single-game career-high seven saves in a 0-0 draw with the Colorado Rapids on 7/7. Willis’ previous single-game record of six saves came last season against the New England Revolution on 4/14/12.
USOC Preview
On August 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT, the Black-and-Red will again travel to Toyota Park to face the Chicago Fire for the semi-finals of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (USOC) competition. This weekend's match could very well give United a preview of the side's next Open Cup match. The last time these teams met, United went down 2-0 to the Fire in Chicago on 7/2. United and the Fire last met in USOC competition back in 2008. The Black-and-Red hosted Chicago in the quarterfinals round, advancing 2-1 after extra time and would go on to win the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.
Netting vs. Chicago
Only the Columbus Crew (71) and FC Dallas (68) have notched more goals all-time vs. the Chicago Fire than D.C. United (62). In two matches vs. the Fire in 2012, United tallied five goals.
