It might not look as such, but D.C. United is in a markedly different spot from its last U.S. Open Cup qualifier back in April, when it trotted out essentially a full strength squad against visiting FC Dallas to get its first win of any kind this season.
United has only won twice since then, but the latest victory came last weekend, and for a change there are more healthy bodies available, meaning a reserve-heavy lineup is likely tonight in the first of this week’s pair of matches against Real Salt Lake.
“The last time we played we had so many injuries, we didn’t have the luxury of being able to possibly manage minutes,” said United head coach Curt Onalfo. “Now we have better competition in the group, and we may have the luxury to play the other guys that haven’t gotten significant minutes.”
Although he’s been upgraded to questionable, defender Dejan Jakovic won’t see action. Despite his recovery from a broken collar bone, D.C. wants to be sure he’s ready to go before putting him back on the field, which means he doubtful to see any significant action before the World Cup break, which starts after next week’s visit to Seattle. Marc Burch won’t be in contention until then either.
Luciano Emilio also still has a lingering hip flexor strain, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the starting lineup tonight. If not, that should pave the way for Adam Cristman. Other players likely to see action include Jaime Moreno up top, Boyzzz Khumalo and Christian Castillo on the flanks, Julius James and Barry Rice anchoring the defense with Devon McTavish filling in at right back, and Troy Perkins moving back into the net. In the center of the park, look for Kurt Morsink and possibly Stephen King, who I wrote about in today’s print edition.
Even though tonight is a different matter than the regular season, D.C. wants to capitalize on its momentum.
“We want to be within striking distance of the playoffs come the World Cup break,” said King. “We’ve got two more league games, and we have to get some more wins on the board.”
As for Real Salt Lake, they’re taking part in a soccer clinic on the Mall (15th and Constitution) tomorrow as part of a Nothing But Nets event, and then they’re off to the White House on Friday.
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