D.C. United look to continue their preseason success at Al Lang Stadium tonight at 7:30 PM ET against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. This will be United’s first matchup in the Suncoast Invitational, a preseason tournament that involves some of Major League Soccer’s biggest stars from around the league. The match comes just a week and a half after United drew 1-1 in their second preseason contest against MLS’ newest side, FC Cincinnati.
The team have now been together for a few weeks and are expected to have built chemistry both on and off the field. United have gone unbeaten this preseason; winning their first match against Bethlehem Steel FC, the Black-and-Red put together an impressive 90-minute shift, winning the contest 1-0.
The Black-and-Red continued to show signs of improved fitness levels and chemistry in the team’s second preseason contest against FC Cincinnati which ended in a 1-1 draw. The contest was a tale of two halves as some new faces earned minutes at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The second half saw 11 substitutions with Donovan Pines, Jalen Robinson, Chris Durkin, Akeem Ward, and Chris Seitz all featuring. This is the third preseason matchup for United and they will be expecting a strong showing in St. Petersburg.
The Rowdies have undergone a massive overhaul ahead of the 2019 season and youth seems to be the theme of the team. No player on the roster is over the age of 28, and the club recently completed loan deals for two young talents from England’s Championship division, namely midfielder Jordan Doherty (18) from Sheffield United and defender Caleb Richards (20) from Norwich City.
The expected lineup for the match is one D.C. United fans have grown quite familiar with as it was a major factor in last season’s immaculate run into the playoffs. A 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Bill Hamid between the posts, Steve Birnbaum and Frédéric Brillant will assume their starting center back roles. Joseph Mora and newly acquired outside back Leo Jara will round out the backline. The midfield will be comprised of Júnior Moreno and Russell Canouse continuing their defensive duties. Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola, and Zoltán Stieber will remain as the bulk of the offensive force going forward and will be led by England’s own, Wayne Rooney.
Kick off is slated for 7:30 PM ET and the match will take place at Al Lang Stadium the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in St. Petersburg, Florida.
To reserve your seats for the 2019 Audi Field Home Opener against the reigning MLS Champions, Atlanta United on March 3, click here!
