It made little sense for Tom Soehn to debate who to use in D.C. United’s last weekend against CD Guadalajara.
“We pretty much had 18 guys available,” said the United head coach. “It’s not that many to choose from.”
Three days later, things haven’t improved as United prepares to host Atlante, the second of two Mexican opponents in SuperLiga Group A.
Playmaker Marcelo Gallardo, who received a cortisone shot last week to help relieve an ongoing groin problem, didn’t practice Monday and will miss his third straight match.
Meanwhile, midfielder Santino Quaranta (hamstring) has traded places with defender Gonzalo Peralta (groin), with the former upgraded to questionable and the latter downgraded to unavailable. Domenic Mediate (concussion) also is out, but reserve midfielder Quavas Kirk is available.
The one beneficiary of United’s rash of injuries has been hardworking 22-year-old Craig Thompson, who made his first professional start against Chivas.
“I was definitely a little nervous,” said Thompson, who was signed on June 30. “I’d be lying if I told you Iwasn’t. The nerves went away about five minutes in. Playing with all the great players D.C. United has really calms you down.”
After their first loss in nine games, United needs a win to stay alive in SuperLiga, but it felt encouraged by steady improvement over 90 minutes against Chivas.
“Our second half we played much better,” said goalkeeper Zach Wells. “I think our confidence now going into Tuesday, as long as we compete and play our game, keep possession and stay patient on the ball, is we can compete and beat anyone.”
Atlante also lost, suffering a 4-0 thrashing in its first match at Houston, looking like the club that finished 15th during the 2008 clausura, or spring season. The Potros del Hierro (Iron Colts) won the 2007 Apertura, or fall season, following a move from Mexico City to Cancun.
