D.C. United’s return to regular season action against Houston provides a number of opportunities: a clean slate after three demoralizing losses in SuperLiga — including one against the Dynamo — the chance to build on a six-match unbeaten run in league play, and a platform to prove United was unfairly ignored in the MLS All-Star process.
“We don’t want to think that we’re on the same track as the beginning of the season,” said United forward Jaime Moreno. “We want to go back where we were a month ago.”
Moreno rested during last weekend’s 3-1 SuperLiga loss to the Dynamo (4-4-8), but he can leave it all on the field tonight, knowing D.C. won’t take the field again until Aug. 2.
“I think for this one we’re able to put everything into it, knowing that we have some time after this, and treat it like it’s do or die,” said midfielder Clyde Simms.
Although United (7-7-1) should benefit from the extra rest, head coach Tom Soehn felt slighted by the lack of representation in Thursday’s All-Star Game.
“I’m not a big fan of the All-Star Game,” said Soehn. “I think it should be done at the end of the season. Whatever, they decide when to do that. I think it’s great that we get rest, but in the end, I think we have guys who deserve to be there.”
Correction » Monday’s D.C. United story erroneously stated that Francis Doe’s two SuperLiga goals were his first for D.C. United. Doe scored his first United goal in U.S. Open Cup play against Chicago on July 8.
