D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn said Monday that the RFK Stadium field will probably be in the best shape he’s ever seen once it’s mowed and lined ahead of tonight’s second leg of the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup quarterfinals against Harbour View FC.
“It’s awesome compared to what we had to play on [last week in Jamaica],” said Soehn, jokingly adding, “That’s a sign of good coaching.”
After tying Harbour View, 1-1, in the first leg, a result United felt was influenced by a sub-par playing surface, D.C. expects to possess the ball in longer stretches, take advantage of RFK’s width, and display a boost in confidence as it plays its first home match of the 2008 season.
Soehn said every game United gets more adjusted to playmaker Marcelo Gallardo’s passing skills.
“[Gallardo is] not one to take someone on, but he very rarely loses the ball because he’s so good with his body,” said United defender Clyde Simms. “It’s not like he’s losing the ball trying to take someone on. I think it will change everyone’s game a little bit … I think what he brings with his passing will open up more than anyone can do dribbling.”
With forward Jaime Moreno (hamstring) out, Argentine import Franco Niell could get the start alongside Luciano Emilio.
Harbour View will be without forward Rafiek Thomas and midfielder Kemeel Wolfe, who both were denied U.S. visas, according to Jamaican news reports.
If tonight’s game is tied at the end of regulation, United and Harbour View will play two 15-minute overtime sessions, after which they’ll go to a penalty shootout. With a victory, D.C. will face CD Montagua (Honduras) or Pachuca CF (Mexico) in the semifinals, going on the road for the first leg April 2, and returning to RFK for the second leg April 9.
