After a statement 2-0 win over Eastern Conference side New York Red Bulls, D.C. United shifts its focus towards its last chance to grab three points from a Western Conference side during the regular season when the squad faces the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, Sept. 6 (Comcast SportsNet; 10 pm EST).
“We’ve definitely gained confidence from [New York], and [Vancouver is] a good team as well,” said D.C. United midfielder Perry Kitchen. “This is our last Western Conference opponent. I think we’re 4-4 now; we’d like to end on a good note and get above .500.”
While United continues to solidify its position as MLS enters its stretch run to the playoffs, Vancouver is currently in the midst of a three-game winless streak, having tied Chivas USA 0-0, lost 2-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy and 3-0 to the Portland Timbers.
The Whitecaps will be hungry; their last tally came from the boot of Darren Mattocks on August 10 during a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Pedro Morales assisted on the goal, notching his ninth assist on the year. Clearly the playmaker, Morales has shone this season, recording seven goals as well.
“Vancouver is a very good team, a very dangerous team, a ton of speed a lot of creativity,” Kitchen said. “So we’re going to have our hands full.”
Coming off three points at home helps the Black-and-Red fly cross-continent with momentum.
“Anytime you win it’s a confidence booster, and that was a big win against a rival,” D.C. United defender Taylor Kemp said. “It gives us confidence going in, and it keeps us further in first place, which is always a good thing.”
With an eye on the standings, United has just eight regular season matches left to play. As playoffs near, each point becomes more important.
“The later the year goes, the intensity goes up,” Kemp said. “You want to think of these as playoff games. You want to get everybody ready for what it’s going to take to win in those circumstances. The intensity always heightens.”
