We’ve got a couple things to chew on while D.C. United takes on the Columbus Crew for the second time in three days.
But first, here are the lineups.
D.C. United: Hamid; Zayner, James, Simms, Graye; Quaranta, King, Morsink, Najar; Allsopp, Hernandez.
Crew: Hesmer; O’Rourke, Marshall, Iro, Padula; Gaven, Burns, Carroll, Duka; Schelotto, Lenhart.
Now, on to the news, and there’s plenty, given D.C. has just five players available on its bench due to injuries. First, although Bill Hamid is starting in goal, there is a possibility that this could be his final match of the season. Hamid, who has been battling a shoulder problem all season, needs surgery, and the club will make a decision in the coming weeks over his future.
Chris Pontius (hamstring) is also still out indefinitely. United general manager Dave Kasper said the doctor has given Pontius the nod to play, his absence could be longer.
Adam Cristman tweaked a knee in training this week, and Kasper said he’s looking at meniscus surgery that would sideline him for 3-4 weeks.
We learned Friday that Marc Burch is likely done for a long time after re-aggravating his broken foot in the U.S. Open game on Wednesday.
We still haven’t seen Rodney Wallace return from his broken fibula. There may not be much benefit to bringing him back this season if he’s not fully ready.
Barry Rice is also still out due to the head wound he received in Los Angeles last weekend.
Other absences tonight – Branko Boskovic (Montenegro) and Dejan Jakovic (Canada) are both on international duty.
Kasper said the club’s decision on Carlos Varela will be independent of the injury situation. Varela and goalkeeper Andrew Quinn did fitness on the field before the match.
