D.C. United embark on their third-to-last road trip of the season to take on the Chicago Fire Saturday, August 16, at 8:30 PM. A week removed from a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Orlando, in which the Black-and-Red controlled 58.8 percent of the possession and outshot their opponent 18-11, United look to start a new winning streak after their season-long three-game stretch was ended.
Chicago defeated United 1-0 in the two teams’ only previous matchup this season, snapping a nine-game winless drought against the Black-and-Red. The Fire’s attack is paced by Designated Player Nemanja Nikolić, who has cooled after a hot start, but still leads the club in goals with 17. Nikolić and Chicago could struggle against a rejuvenated United backline and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who has only given up two goals in his last four matches and is one shutout away from 50 for his career. The Fire will also be shorthanded offensively after Michael de Leeuw was suspended for Saturday’s game for yellow card accumulation.
D.C. also historically perform well in Bridgeview; they haven't lost at Toyota Park since 2013 and their only other loss came in 2006. Draws, however, have been frequent, (eight in 15 total matches). "It'll be a tough matchup for us," head coach Ben Olsen said. "But historically, we've been able to go there and get something out of the game."
A tough task but a major opportunity. Ben Olsen previews #CHIvDC. #DCUpic.twitter.com/n5TP6zwtJj
— D.C. United (@dcunited) September 13, 2017
On the Chicago side, while Nikolić has been the main provider of goals, David Accam is not too far behind. With 14 goals (second-best on the team) and seven assists (team leader), the Ghanaian is a dangerous attacking option and his blistering pace could cause the Black-and-Red back line fits. Veljko Paunovic's side have struggled to reclaim their offensive fluency of late though, and haven't scored multiple goals in a match since August 5.
Pre-game coverage starts at 8 PM ET on NewsChannel 8, CW Richmond and live on Facebook.
