D.C. United’s regular-season opener is more than three weeks away. But a midseason atmosphere is expected for today’s clash with reigning Mexican first division champion C.D. Guadalajara, a.k.a. Chivas.
More than 22,000 fans are expected for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup semifinals againstthe big brother club of Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA.
“We take this tournament very seriously, as players, as an organization,” said United defender Bobby Boswell. “I think that most of the fans know that, but [the club] is trying to stress to everyone else that this is as important, if not more important, than the season itself.”
Chivas is nine games into its current season. It actually has a league match at home tonight, but its first team will be in Washington, including Mexican national team stars Omar Bravo (6 goals) and Alberto Medina (4 goals).
United goalkeeper Troy Perkins (quadriceps) is expected to start, but he could be limited on punts and goal kicks.
The second leg will be played in Guadalajara on April 3.
CONCACAF Champions’ Cup semifinals, first leg
D.C. United vs. CD Guadalajara
» Where: RFK Stadium
» When: Thursday, 8 p.m.
» TV: Fox Soccer Channel
