With one week to go until the 2020 season opener, D.C. United take on the Philadelphia Union for the final match of preseason on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Black-and-Red are undefeated in their last three preseason fixtures, including back-to-back victories over Louisville and Orlando and a draw against Nashville.
In their last preseason match, United faced Nashville SC on Feb. 19. With a young lineup given the opportunity from the start, the Black-and-Red began the match on the front foot. Erik Sorga opened his scoring account for United in the eighth minute after the 20-year-old carved out some space in the box and fired the ball in the back of the net. Nashville equalized shortly after, with Hany Mukhtar converting from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. The new MLS franchise kept Chris Seitz busy in the first half, but the veteran goalkeeper made some key saves to keep the Black-and-Red on level terms. In the second half, United began to build momentum as substitutes Ulises Segura and Ola Kamara created some dangerous opportunities, though the match would ultimately end in a stalemate.
Offseason acquisitions Edison Flores and Yamil Asad look set to return for the Black-and-Red after recovering from injuries which have kept them sidelined for a majority of the preseason. The South American duo bring an attacking flair to the D.C. United lineup as both players have demonstrated the ability to make a difference in the final third. Asad and Flores will link up with another new arrival in Julian Gressel to form an imposing midfield unit for United. Gressel, who arrived from Atlanta on Jan. 21, recently signed a long-term contract which will keep him with the Black-and-Red through 2023.
In their last two preseason friendlies, Philadelphia suffered defeats against FC Cincinnati and FC Dallas. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference in 2019, the Union had a busy offseason. Philadelphia acquired three international players in Jakob Glesnes, Jose Andres Martinez and Matej Oravec. Philadelphia also re-signed Brazilian midfielder Ilsinho, who has been a key player for the club since 2016.
The match will take place at 5 PM ET at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
