The last time DC United played a game in front of full capacity home crowd? March 7th, 2020, over 468 days ago. The opposing team? Inter Miami FC. Almost poetic in a way. Most of the same players that suited up for that game will suit up tomorrow for DC United. Despite that, it seems like everything has changed. A new identity has taken over DC and was on full display in Fort Lauderdale just 3 weeks ago.
Coming off the break, DC United enter a crucial stretch for their 2021 season. They had a murderer’s row to begin 2021 wither several teams picked to finish a top of the Eastern Conference. They exited very much alive in the playoff race and appeared to grow with each game they played under Losada. The results weren’t always there, but the style DC United played left many excited for the future. This next run of games before the Gold Cup presents some great opportunities to pick up points starting on Saturday. Here are three things to watch.
Was May 29th a fluke or the beginning of Losadaball domination?
DC United completely dominated Inter Miami last game. Phil Neville appeared to adjust his team to try and combat Losada’s aggressive full press style. It didn’t work. DC United put on a clinic and earned a 3-0 victory. Now comes the question for Losada’s team. Can they show that same killer instinct and burry Inter Miami again at home? We have watched DC teams in the past fail capitalize when an opponent is struggling.
The lack of finishing has been a consistent storyline with the team’s forwards. Ola Kamara was seen as the central figure in the attack and finally came alive against Inter Miami. He notched two goals on the road. If DC United want to push for a playoff position he will need to show that last game wasn’t just a fluke. Elsewhere on the offensive side, Paul Arriola has returned as a force on the press and provided a bigger offensive threat than Edison Flores. Right now as Paul Arriola goes, so goes DC United. As the Gold Cup nears, Arriola will look to play himself back into the roster. Performances like he has had the past couple games will go a long way toward that goal. Then there is Adrian Perez, who brings energy but maybe lacks a bit of clinical finishing. Also let’s not forget the attacking wingbacks Julian Gressel and Keven Paredes, both of whom have made major strides as the season progressed.
Nyeman or Felipe?
The only missing piece from last game will be Junior Moreno who is currently with Venezuela for the Copa America. That leaves a question over who Losada will pair up in center midfield. Moses Nyeman has looked the part while still having plenty of room to grow as a player.
However I would not be surprised if Losada looks to put in Felipe who should be closer to full fitness. He also could bring an imposing presence in the center of the field that Nyeman cannot. As the team has raced players back from injury there is certainly more competition for spots. As games become more frequent, we could see more rotation in the lineup as well. For me, I think Nyeman should get every opportunity to continue to develop. He has earned opportunities with his performances to the start the season. I also think he can bring enough to press Inter Miami and find space passed the defense. His ability to find passes and maneuver around pressure could be very useful in this game.
What type of atmosphere will we see at Audi Field?
Not team related but it is worth seeing just where DC United sits as far as attendance goes. When packed, Audi Field is a fortress, but it hasn’t been that way in some time. This team doesn’t have the stars of Wayne Rooney, but it will mark the first time DC United will have a wide open stadium in over a year. There is also a lot of discussion about changes to the culture in the Chico Stand. It will be interesting to see what changes we will see in the stands on Saturday and in the future.
Losada has brought a style that has fans excited but only if you are paying attention. It is causing me to make the trek up there again. Will other more casual fans show up? Probably not now, but I think we will get a good baseline as to how the team stands in the DC area. Also, we will see how willing fans are to return to live sporting events after so much time off. Hopefully that baseline is not all the way on the floor that even a string of good results can not fix. My guess is we will see around 15k at the game, and that includes the inevitable boosting from season ticket holders not coming to the game.
Prediction: I know better than to predict another blowout for DC United. Last game was fantastic, but I expect a response from Inter Miami. Still, 2-1 DC United.