After United ended their four-match road streak ahead of an August homestand, the Black-and-Red host the Montreal Impact on Sunday, July 31, before playing the Union, Timbers and Red Bulls, respectively. The Impact, who currently sit in fourth in the East with 29 points, come to RFK for the first time since March 7, 2015 (the first match of the season last year). History is in United's favor; they won the last home meeting 1-0 and are 5-3-3 all-time against the French Canadians.
"It’s been a month on the road. That can take its toll," head coach Ben Olsen said. "So coming back is exciting and we are looking forward to playing here at RFK."
Following the July 31 match, the Black-and-Red enter August in need of home points. Fortunately, United have a solid record all-time in the upcoming month, posting a 47-38-15 record. This season, United have earned 13 points from home matches, winning four and drawing once. Their biggest margin of victory, a 4-0 victory over Vancouver, came at RFK in April.
Bolstered by the return of Patrick Nyarko and the additions of Lloyd Sam and Patrick Mullins, Olsen has a varied and deep squad ready for the playoff stretch. "Patrick [Mullins] is very position specific for us, and he slots right in there and he understands what we want," Olsen said. "[Lloyd] Sam already has had two games under his belt and it has been pretty seamless. He and Sean have created a very good relationship [on the right]."
With so many home games in August, the Black-and-Red are gearing up for a crucial stretch of the season. Fans can also look forward to numerous giveaways throughout the month. Kickoff for Sunday is scheduled for 6:30 PM on NewsChannel 8.
