Less than one week after a well executed game against NYCFC fell apart in the final minutes, DC United welcomes international travelers Toronto FC to Audi Field tonight at 5:30PM.
Toronto FC has not exactly been tearing up the pitch this season. Tied for the worst record in MLS with only goal differential separating them from last place Chicago, their one-and-only win over Columbus came nearly two months ago. DC United fans from last season will be able to sympathize with their situation, as Toronto has struggled to put shots on target this season.
Meanwhile, DC United has been putting in impressive and sometimes dominating performances that sadly are not reflected on the score sheet. The lack of clinical finishing has plagued the Black-and-Red throughout 2021, and DC has failed to take advantage of the increase in service into the box coming the likes of Julian Gressel and Kevin Paredes.
Build up play has increased in potency since Coach Losada took the reins, but Ola Kamara has continued his streak of not taking the advantages he is given,and newcomer Nigel Robertha has yet to cement himself as the starter. DC United sits with one of the worst gaps in the league between expected goals (xG: 14.61) and goals scored (10). DC United has succeeded mostly on the back of stellar defensive play, but the last outing against NYCFC shows what can happen at both ends of the pitch when things do not connect.
The good news for DCU is that an already poor performing team in Toronto comes to the Capitol City a little worse for wear. Former Black-and-Red fan-favorite Nick De Leon is sidelined with thigh injury, so DC will miss out on his annual punishment. More importantly for both sides though, Toronto playmaker and 2020 MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo is questionable to return for this match. Head Coach Chris Armas (as we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that title is with another team) thinks he will be available for the match, but it is unclear what role he will play.
A bright spot for Torontois that Yeferson Soteldo, back from a thigh injury and international duty with recently-eliminated Venezuela, could provide a spark even of Pozuelo does not feature.
Meanwhile, DC United gets to skip mid-week shenanigans and head into this afternoon’s matchup nearly at full strength. Expect a lineup more similar to the one that saw DC put 27 shots in against Montreal than the one that fell to NYCFC. Be on the lookout to see who starts up top for the Black-and-Red.
Perhaps the most welcome news of the day is that a fan-packed stadium will be treated to the best weather one could ask for in July, with a dry and sunny 78F (26C for our visitors) expected around gametime. Bring your shades and your voices! Vamos!