April was more than just a cruel month on the field for D.C. United. In addition to going winless in four games — including three losses to open Major League Soccer regular-season play — the weather also stunk.
But aftersnow flurries, rain and lightning in three successive matches, mild temperatures and mostly clear skies are expected to prevail this evening as United looks to get back on track against New England.
“It’s finally going to be nice to play under a clear sky and not thinking, ‘When’s the rain coming tonight?’” said goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
The highly-anticipated clash with New England is also the first of four appearances on ESPN2’s primetime Thursday soccer broadcasts.
“It’s a great stage for us to reinvent what we’re about and show the nation that we’re not an 0-3 team,” said midfielder Ben Olsen. “We believe we’re not, but it’s time to stop talking about it and show up, and see if we can put up or shut up at this point.”
Despite potential hints earlier this week of wholesale changes to the United lineup, head coach Tom Soehn closed practice to the media Tuesday and Wednesday and refused to reveal any details about his first 11.
“In our situation now anybody who’s playing well is going to get their shot,” said second-year midfielder Justin Moose, one player who could benefit from a lineup shuffle. After making just one appearance as a rookie, he provided an energetic spark as a second-half substitute against Columbus last weekend. “[Soehn has] made it clear that if you’re not going to perform, you’re not going to be on the field.”
New England Revolution (2-1-1) at D.C. United (0-3)
» When: Tonight at 7
» Where: RFK Stadium
» TV: ESPN2
» Radio: WMET 1160 AM, SRN (1540 AM, 1390 AM, 1600 AM and 1350 AM)
