D.C. United (1-2-3, 6 pts.) return to Audi Field for their seventh game of the 2020 MLS Regular Season against the New England Revolution on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. EST. This will be the Black-and-Red’s first game back at Audi Field since their 2-1 victory against Inter Miami CF on March 7.
The match on Tuesday, will be the second time D.C. United square off against the New England Revolution this year. The two teams shared the points in a 1-1 draw in July at the MLS is Back Tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, in Orlando, Florida. In 2019, the Black-and-Red and the Revolution tied both of their match-ups, with the first match finishing 1-1 and the second one 2-2.
In their last match, the Black-and-Red drew 0-0 away to FC Cincinnati as Major League Soccer continued in local markets following the MLS is Back Tournament. On Friday night, the Black-and-Red opted for a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this season, with Homegrown midfielder, Kevin Paredes making his first MLS start as a left wing-back. The performances from Paredes and fellow Homegrown player, Donovan Pines were the highlights of the match at Nippert Stadium, as Paredes made several marauding runs forward and contained the dangerous Joe Gyau, while Pines had a dominant night at center back, earning him Man of the Match honors.
D.C. United started off the better of the sides, as the Black-and-Red’s high-press, created by the change in system, left FC Cincinnati uncomfortable and led to several half-chances created from forced turnovers and set-pieces. Donovan Pines came closest to scoring as he rose to meet a Gressel set-piece in the 8th minute, with his header shaving the top of the crossbar. Hamid was called into action for the first time towards the end of the half, as he did well to save a Gyau effort at his near post.
The second half was more of the same, as the two sides battled to try and break the deadlock. FC Cincinnati had their best chance of the match in the 85th minute, courtesy of Jürgen Locadia hitting the inside of the left post at the end of a breakaway opportunity. Bill Hamid did a terrific job of making himself big in the one-on-one opportunity, narrowing Locadia’s angle, resulting in the missed opportunity. D.C. United’s defense was well-organized and resilient throughout the match, and they were able to hold FC Cincinnati scoreless for the club’s first clean sheet of the 2020 season.
Head Coach Ben Olsen’s second half substitutes, Edison Flores, Frederico Higuaín, Joseph Mora, Griffin Yow, and Mohammed Abu provided a collective spark late in the match and helped the Black-and-Red hold on to their clean sheet.
The New England Revolution are also coming off a 0-0 draw after hosting the Philadelphia Union on August 20. The Revs will be without Designated Player Carles Gil after the Spanish midfielder underwent achilles surgery on August 6. D.C. United will have to keep an eye out for Gustavo Bou in the midfield and the center backs will have to keep a close eye on Polish forward Adak Buksa who scored the goal against the Black-and-Red in their last meeting.
D.C. United against New England Revolution on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. EST will be broadcast on WJLA 24/7 News and streamed on www.dcunited.com. Prior to kick-off, catch up with Dave Johnson, Devon McTavish, and Claudia Pagán as they preview the upcoming match on the Audi pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. EST on on www.dcunited.com.
