The Black-and-Red are on the road again—this time to take on the Revolution.
After splitting points with rivals New York Red Bulls a week ago, D.C. United look to build on a solid defensive performance and leave Gillette Stadium with 3 crucial points.
The squad has had a full week to recover and prepare for this test, but more importantly, Wayne Rooney and his staff have had a full week to drive home the principles of his new system.
With both teams fighting for their playoff lives, this one has all the billings of a tight contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Washington, TeleXitos, and dcunited.com.
And if you’re looking for a place to watch the match, come out to Pearl Street for an outdoor screening, food & beverages at the official Heineken watch party.
Last Time Out
On a night in which both offenses struggled to break through, D.C. United’s backline held strong against Red Bulls.
After the match, Wayne Rooney told reporters that he didn’t think they created enough chances in the final third but that he was pleased with the defensive performance.
The Black-and-Red came away with a point, snapping a 13-match run without a clean sheet in the process. Upon his arrival in D.C., Wayne Rooney has put an emphasis on being a team that is, first and foremost, difficult to beat.
“I think we’re improving as a team. I think you can see that. The players can feel that,” Rooney said during his pre-match press conference. “We still need to improve a lot more in order to get the results we want.”
With some fresh faces in the fold on Saturday, it’ll be another chance to see Wayne Rooney’s vision come to life.
Scouting Report
The Revs (7-9-7, W-D-L) snapped a six-match winless run last Saturday with a 3-0 win on the road against Orlando City SC.
Both teams hope to find themselves on the other side of some defensive woes. The last time they met, Taxi Fountas announced himself to the league, scoring 2 goals and assisting the other in a 3-2 victory at Audi Field.
Fountas hasn’t taken his foot off the gas pedal since that much, and coming off his first MLS All-Star experience, his confidence should be high.
His fellow All-Star Carles Gil will be one to watch. Gil has recorded the second-most assists in the league (12) and has been the engine of the Revolution offense this season. Mitigating his impact on the game will be top of mind for whomever occupies the midfield for the Black-and-Red.
Next Home Match
After New England, D.C. United’s road trip will continue on to LA where they’ll take on LAFC.
They’ll return home on Saturday, August 20 to take on the Philadelphia Union.