Real Madrid will play in FedEx exhibition Aug. 9
With a third of the season complete, D.C. United (3-1-7) is tied for the Major League Soccer lead with 17 goals, scored by eight different players.
Meanwhile, things have gotten so bad offensively for the New England Revolution (2-3-4), with a league-low eight times in nine games, that defensive midfielder Shalrie Joseph (16 goals in six seasons) has been utilized at forward and has a team-high three goals.
“I don’t know that we’ll see it [this weekend],” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “I think it hurts them in the midfield. He’s actually done quite well in the fact that he works hard, and he’s decent in the air. Another part of me hope he plays there so we can beat them in the middle of the field, where we tend to try to win games.”
After a disappointing scoreless draw last weekend at home, United is looking to extend its overall unbeaten run to eight matches. D.C. can also match its road-win total from last year (two) with a victory.
“I think we have to play like other games outside from D.C.,” said United forward Luciano Emilio (team-high five goals). “We usually play very good in the counterattack, and I think we have to have a game like we did against New York or Chivas. I think it’s very interesting when we play [on the road].”
Real Madrid to play D.C. at FedEx Field
D.C. United announced that it will host Real Madrid in an exhibition match Aug. 9 at FedEx Field.
United also met the Spanish club in 2006 in Seattle, a game that finished tied, 1-1. D.C. last played at FedEx Field in a 2005 friendly against Chelsea.
“I’m hoping that some of the rumors of who they’re going to sign come true because I think it would be a great chance for our city to see some real stars,” said Soehn, referring to reports that have linked Madrid with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
