D.C. United coach Peter Nowak was very intent on raising the fitness level of his players in Wednesday’s scoreless tie with the New York Red Bulls. Only one D.C. United starter played less than 77 minutes — Freddy Adu, who was substituted at halftime as a precautionary measure due to a sore foot. Adu was back on the training field with the team on Thursday.
“We have a couple days off, and we have a tough schedule in the last couple of weeks,” said Nowak. “I just want to keep the players fresh but get match fitness and be ready for Saturday against Colorado.”
United will be a little thin against the Rapids at the defender position. Bryan Namoff (yellow card accumulation) is suspended, John Wilson is injured and Brandon Prideaux, who had been out with an injury since May, only returned to full training last week. David Stokes could make his first start of the season at right back, or Nowak may slide Josh Gros into defense and use another reserve in the midfield.
The bigger concern for the home team is offense. D.C. has scored one goal or less in its last three league matches.
“I think we need to be better in couple of situations when we have space and go forward, but games like this will happen,” said Nowak on Wednesday. “Right now it’s going to be very close games until the playoffs start.”
Colorado Rapids (9-8-4) at D.C. United (13-2-7)
» Where: RFK Stadium
» When: Saturday, 4
» TV: ESPN2
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
