Peralta could disrupt vibe

Peralta has started nine of 11 games, but in his absence, United (3-7-1) put together one of its cleanest defensive performances ofthe year — that despite giving up two goals, a sign of how tough times have been — and there are signs of a growing competition along D.C.’s back line.

“Especially being on the road, where we haven’t done well this entire season, it was a great sign to see that we could put together a back line that was as solid as it was,” said defender Bryan Namoff of the 2-2 draw with the Revolution.

United’s two most versatile players, Devon McTavish and Domenic Mediate, anchored the defense at Gillette Stadium. Neither is an obvious center back, but together the two players showed a natural chemistry in a learning situation where each was hyper aware of covering for the other.

“You’ve got to give Dom a lot of credit because it’s a time where he doesn’t always get a chance to get into that starting lineup,” said Namoff. “When he does, he’s put into difficult situations.”

McTavish and Mediate’s partnership was a rare bright spot for a defense that this year has been plagued by disorganization due to new players and language barriers.

Peralta’s limited usage of English off the field becomes even less while on it, but he said defensive communication has improved.

“When you’re tired and you can hardly breathe, you forget even Spanish,” said Peralta through an interpreter. “Spanish, English, anything.”

McTavish’s starting spot appears secure tonight versus Houston (3-3-5), but Mediate is expected to return to the bench. However, multiple teammates voiced support for him as a starter — even with Peralta healthy and available.

“He’s just got to be cautious,” said United head coach Tom Soehn of Mediate. “He wants to try too hard, and sometimes he’s given away a foul or two that we have to avoid. But he’s always intense, and he brings the right attitude every training session, every game.”