D.C. United (10-10-9, 39 points) lost 3-1 to the Union (14-8-6, 48 points) at Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday evening. The Black-and-Red were without their star striker, Wayne Rooney after he earned a red card on Wednesday night against the Red Bulls.
New signing, Ola Kamara slotted into the striker role for his second consecutive start for United. Luciano Acosta returned to the starting XI in his familiar playmaker in the middle of the park.
Another slow start to the game gave the Union the early lead as Kacper Przybylko slotted home another goal in the 5th minute of the match. Left-back, Kai Wenger curled a ball to the near post and Przybylko found space in behind Frederic Brillant and knocked the ball into the net from a few yards out.
A few minutes later, Brendan Aaronson found space in between the United backline and Przybylko feathered the ball to the homegrown forward. Aaronson placed the ball low and to Bill Hamid’s right side for the second goal of the match.
Przybylko registered his second assist on the night in the 36th minute of the contest. Union midfielder, Illisho received a pass from Przybylko, inside the box and then calmly weaved his way past Junior Moreno, and fired home a right-footed shot past Hamid for the third goal of the match. The scoreline was 3-0 Union at the half.
United jumped out of the gates to start the second half. The Black-and-Red immediately put the pressure on Philly. In the 53rd minute, Kamara took left footed shot from the center of the box, Union goalkeeper, Andre Blake dropped down and secured the shot.
Three minutes later Acosta showed his quickness and skill by splitting two Union defenders en route to scoring his first goal since June 1st against San Jose. United had life early in the second half. The Black-and-Red showed urgency and improvement over the final 30 minutes of the match. However, the game finished 3-1 in favor of the Union.
United have just five league matches left this season and will be fighting to solidify a playoff position in the coming weeks. D.C. United’s next stop will be Montreal this Saturday, Aug. 31. As United look to defeat the Impact at Saputo Stadium for the first time since, September 8, 2015.
