With United’s now-iconic win over Orlando City SC Sunday night, the Black-and-Red have gone 3-1-0 in the young history of their new home at Audi Field. Though the building is still brand new, United have so far done their best to turn it into a true fortress during their push for the playoffs.
In four matches at Audi Field, United have scored eight goals while conceding only five. Sunday’s match was the first time the Black-and-Red have surrendered more than one goal to an opponent at Audi Field since opening the building on July 14.
Wednesday's match against the Portland Timbers will feature an intriguing battle of defensive midfielders between Portland’s Diego Chara and United’s Russell Canouse.
Since arriving to MLS from Columbia in 2011, Chara has become one of the stronger defensive mids in the league and has continued to be a key presence in Portland’s midfield, winning 77.5% of his tackles along with tallying 23 interceptions.
Canouse, meanwhile, returned to the Black-and-Red’s starting XI after missing most of the first half of the season due to injury, and immediately reminded fans why he was a key target during last season’s summer transfer window.
In his 299 minutes of playing time since returning from injury, Canouse has recorded seven interceptions and has been successful on 90.43% of passes in the opposing half while displaying the kind of defensive hustle that makes him extremely difficult to play against.
Canouse will be key in disrupting a Portland attack that revolves around reigning MLS MVP Diego Valeri and forward Samuel Armenteros, who have continued to light up the scoresheet for the Timbers.
And if the Black-and-Red want to turn Audi Field into one of the most difficult buildings to visit for opponents, Canouse and the United back line will need to take another step forward—a challenge they are ready to take on against the attack-minded Timbers.
