The most interesting question facing D.C. United head coach Peter Nowak Saturday night is who to start at forward. Alecko Eskandarian is suspended after last weekend’s ejection. Although players can raise questions with the league’s disciplinary committee, red cards cannot be overturned unless issued to the wrong player, according to FIFA.
Jaime Moreno has also been missing all week andwas in Los Angeles to attend the ESPYs on Wednesday.
“[Moreno] needs a break. It’s not a physical break, just the mental part,” said Nowak. “Even with Christian [Gomez], we didn’t play him from the beginning in Columbus. We know that we can count on both of them. I’m sure Jaime’s not just having parties and sitting with Hollywood stars.”
Reserve forwards Jamil Walker and rookie Andy Metcalf both scored against Celtic on Wednesday. Walker is most likely to move up in the rotation and although Metcalf doesn’t expect that tallying in his first game in RFK Stadium will translate into a starting role, he still likes his chances.
“I don’t think it hurt,” said Metcalf. “There are a lot of good players in front of me. I’m just waiting for my chance and learning to be patient right now.”
Columbus Crew (4-7-6) at D.C. United (12-1-5)
» Where: RFK Stadium
» When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
» TV: Comcast SportsNet
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
