D.C. United head coach Peter Nowak is famous for grossly unhelpful remarks when asked which players he’ll start for any particular match. But even Nowak acknowledged this week that forward Alecko Eskandarian is essentially a lock for the first eleven against Real Salt Lake.
“He deserves to be on the field,” said Nowak. “I think the game in Chicago told us, he’s a guy who really gives us a spark and makes us better. I’m sure he wants to be on the field, and I’m sure he’s not going to get any suspensions anymore because it’s too much.”
Eskandarian (7 goals, 2 assists) has scored in his last two matches, which were sandwiched around a red-card suspension for United’s win over Columbus on July 15.
Salt Lake could be the yin to D.C.’s yang – while United has the best record and most goals in MLS, Salt Lake has both the fewest points and most goals against.
Forward Jeff Cunningham has been the lone bright spot, leading Salt Lake with 9 goals and 5 assists.
Salt Lake played host to Freddy Adu’s best goal of the 2005 season in United’s last visit to Utah, a play that started near the center circle with Adu spinning around defender Brian Dunseth and finished in the penalty box with a low, slotted shot past goalkeeper D.J. Countess.
D.C. United (13-1-6, 45 pts) at Real Salt Lake (4-10-5, 17 pts)
» Where: Rice–Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City
» When: Tonight, 9 p.m.
» TV: Comcast SportsNet
» Radio: WMET–1160 AM, WACA–1540 AM
