Coming off a controversial and disappointing loss to the New England Revolution last week, DC United (1-1-0) visits last year's MLS Cup Champions the Colorado Rapids.
United will be without three defensive starters as Jed Zayner is absent due to injury, Dejan Jakovic is suspended due to a red card in the previous match, and rookie Perry Kitchen is on duty with the U.S. U-20 National Team. Rodrigo Brasesco, Chris Korb, and Daniel Woolard will step in to replace the absentees, and are likely to have a tough time handling Conor Casey and Omar Cummings of the Rapids.
To get their attack going, D.C. will insert two new faces into the offense: Branko Boskovic and rookie Blake Brettschneider, each of whom have been impressive in the MLS Reserve league.
The weather will certainly be a factor tonight as a wintry mix of rain, ice, snow, and hail is hitting the field at Dick's Sporting Goods park outside Denver, as will the altitude, which can cause soccer players to become fatigued much earlier than usual.
United certainly has the odds stacked against it.
You can watch the game on Galavision, or follow along with other D.C. fans at Black And Red United.