D.C. United aims to make a strong impression in its final two regular-season matches, despite already clinching the Eastern Conference’s top playoff seed. But expect unusual lineups and substitutions tonight against the Revolution and next week versus Chicago.
“I have a conversation with my players just to make sure we’re going to find a good rhythm,” said United head coach Peter Nowak. “Whoever is going to be on the field — either we’re going to choose to play with our starters or we’re going to play with our reserves — we need to make sure we’re still going to have a good combination of soccer, and it’s still going to be competitive.”
It is practice where things have become more urgent. After missing the last four weeks, forward Alecko Eskandarian has returned to training. He’s fighting through a hamstring issue to prove he can contribute to the team during the postseason. There is a general sense the next two weeks aren’t just about results, rather regrouping before a “second” season.
“Yesterday I started working out harder, doing fitness outside,” said United goalkeeper Troy Perkins this week. “Peter’s yelling at everyone; it definitely feels like preseason.”
Note
D.C. defender Facundo Erpen (red card) and midfielder Josh Gros (yellow card accumulation) are suspended for this weekend’s game.
Revolution (10-8-12) at United (15-5-10)
» When: Saturday, 7:30
» Where: RFK Stadium
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
