The Black-and-Red return to action against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at 7 PM at RFK Stadium (NewsChannel 8) seeking their first win of the season following the FIFA international break last weekend. While United are traditionally evenly matched with the Union (7-7-4 overall), the Black-and-Red will look to avenge their two 2016 losses to Jim Curtin’s side by earning their first victory of 2017.
Despite United’s historically-even record against the Union, Ben Olsen’s side typically enjoys more favorable results when facing Philadelphia on their home pitch. The Black-and-Red are 4-1-4 against Philadelphia at RFK Stadium and boast a 16-12 goal advantage against the Union when playing in the District. United’s lone loss to Philadelphia at RFK came in 2013, when a Black-and-Red comeback fell short and resulted in a 3-2 United defeat.
United struggled to find the back of the net in their three meetings with the Union last season. In their first matchup in Philadelphia, the sides remained in a tightly-contested battle until a stoppage-time goal from Richie Marquez earned Philadelphia an improbable three points. United suffered their second defeat to the Union when they returned to Philadelphia in July, as two converted penalty kicks ultimately led to a disappointing 3-0 loss. The teams’ final meeting at RFK in August ended in a 2-2 draw following a dramatic Steve Birnbaum goal just before the full time whistle, allowing the Black-and-Red to salvage a point against their Eastern Conference opponents.
United return from the FIFA break attempting to regain the offensive finesse that propelled them into the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs at the end of 2016. After failing to net a brace in the first three matches of the season, the Black-and-Red are pushing to regain their attacking confidence against a Union team that has conceded four goals in their previous two matches.
Luciano Acosta’s return to D.C.’s lineup adds a dangerous dimension to the United offense, as the midfielder will pair with veterans Patrick Nyarko and Lloyd Sam to create a fast and dangerous attacking combination on both wings. Acosta will look to take advantage against Union rookie midfielder Derrick Jones and young right back Keegan Rosenberry. Former-Union standout Sébastien Le Toux will also look to jump into the offensive mix against his old club after making his debut with United last match.
On the back line, central defenders Sean Franklin and Steve Birnbaum will be tasked with containing explosive forward CJ Sapong, who’s scored in Philadelphia’s previous two matches. The three points up for grabs possess additional meaning as both clubs are still searching for their first win of the season. United will host the Union again in May before traveling to Philadelphia for the teams’ final meeting in June.
