Yeah, it’s steamy, and yeah, for most of this season, D.C. United has left its own fans quite steamed.
But there just might be the chance to prove something this evening in United’s last home game before the World Cup break. They’ve already got three in a row in hand — including an exhibition and a U.S. Open Cup qualifier, of course – but there’s a renewed confidence here at RFK that is certain to be combined with an urgency to get one more home result before a four-game road swing that begins in Seattle on Thursday. In fact, D.C.’s next home game will be against Seattle, too – on July 15. Not that there’s a lack of compelling soccer going on over the next month.
Awaiting the official D.C. lineup, but with Carey Talley sidelined by a concussion suffered in a collision with Barry Rice on Tuesday, D.C. will likely turn to Julius James in his place. Rice or Devon McTavish are less likely options.
UPDATE: As I’ve said before, I’ve been known to be wrong. After essentially ruling him out until after the World Cup break, D.C. head coach Curt Onalfo has called on Dejan Jakovic to start in place of Talley. It’ll be Jakovic’s first minutes since breaking his collar bone against Philadelphia on April 10.
One other change, too, will be Troy Perkins back in goal after Bill Hamid gave up a couple less than stellar goals last weekend against Chivas USA. The competition in net is back on, big time.
Rest of DC’s starters: Graye, Peña, Wallace, Najar, King, Simms, Pontius, Quaranta, Allsopp.
Salt Lake, lost to D.C., 2-1, in overtime on Wednesday, but that can’t dampen their five-game winning streak in league play. They do, however, remain winless all-time at RFK Stadium – 0-4-2 including Wednesday. They did get a chance to visit the White House yesterday, where President Obama complimented RSL head coach Jason Kreis on his physique, saying he one of the few coaches that he’s met who looks like he can still play.
“He looks very fit,” said Obama.
RSL starters: Rimando, Beltran, Borchers, Olave, Russell, Alexandre, Johnson, Morales, Warner, Espindola, Saborio.
We’ll also have a little more D.C. sports crossover tonight, with Capitals winger Mike Knuble expected to attend.
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