This weekend D.C. United gets its first look at Toyota Park, which officially opened on June 25. The 20,000-seat venue is the fourth soccer-specific stadium to come on line for Major League Soccer, and it will host the MLS all-star game on Aug. 5. Seven United players and coach Peter Nowak will return to Chicago for that match.
With construction underway on facilities in Colorado and Toronto, and planning in advanced stages for Red Bull New York’s stadium in Harrison, N.J., the best team in the league is at the back of the pack in the race for its own park.
The Fire went unbeaten in the first four matches at Toyota Park, but they’ve lost the last two. Andy Herron (4 goals) is tied with Chad Barrett and Nate Jaqua for Chicago’s scoring lead after two goals last weekend against F.C. Dallas.
United has nearly its entire roster available. With only one player is currently injured — Brandon Prideaux (knee surgery) — D.C.’s depth could play a big role this weekend. United’s reserves play the Fire reserves on Sunday morning.
Facundo Erpen also makes his first return to the pitch after bruising his foot last week.
D.C. UNITED (13-1-5) AT CHICAGO FIRE (5-7-5)
» Where: Toyota Park
» When: Tonight, 8:30 p.m.
» TV: Comcast SportsNet
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
