D.C. United begin a stretch of four straight road games this week when they head west to face Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET on UniMas). The Black-and-Red are looking to string back-to-back wins together for the first time this season following their 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution on June 25.
United have two important players returning to action as center backs Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell rejoin the team from national team duty and suspension, respectively. Without Birnbaum, D.C. have still looked extremely solid defensively, in large part due to Kofi Opare and the return of goalkeeper Bill Hamid. In the four matches since Hamid returned on May 27, the back line has kept three clean sheets.
Whoever United head coach Ben Olsen selects to start the game will have their hands full containing a potent RSL attack. Armenian forward Yura Movsisyan has scored six goals so far this season, while Ecuadorian international Joao Plata ranks third in MLS with six assists. The team has scored 13 goals in its last six games and currently sit in third place in the Western Conference. RSL also boasts an undefeated record at home, going 5-0-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium so far this season.
However, Salt Lake has not been nearly as strong on the other side of the ball. Although they have been efficient offensively, the team has not kept a clean sheet since April 16, despite having one of the most accomplished keepers in league history between the sticks in Nick Rimando. Rimando (who played for D.C. United from 2002 to 2006) holds the MLS record for shutouts with 125, and will be tough to beat despite the team’s recent defensive struggles.
Following the team’s strong performance against New England, United seem to have vanquished their scoring woes, but it remains to be seen if they can beat one of the league’s best. Don’t miss this #DCUAfterDark UniMás broadcast!
