D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen has handed starts to both Dwayne De Rosario and Brandon McDonald as both of the Black-and-Red's big midweek acquisitions will make their D.C. debuts tonight against the Philadelphia Union. As expected, De Rosario will play in an attacking central midfield role that will require him to sit just behind the striking tandem of Josh Wolff and Charlie Davies. Speaking of Davies, his injured ankle has recovered enough for him to start up front tonight for the second straight game. McDonald will be paired with Ethan White at center-back, while Perry Kitchen moves to right-back in place of Jed Zayner, who underwent successful knee surgery today. Daniel Woolard (back spasms) passed a late fitness test and is in at left back.
Peter Nowak makes just one change from the lineup that started Philadelphia's 3-2 win over Chivas USA last Saturday, as Danny Mwanga starts up top alongside Sebastian Le Toux in place of Jack McInerney.
Full D.C. United starting lineup: Bill Hamid (GK), Perry Kitchen, Ethan White, Brandon McDonald, Daniel Woolard, Andy Najar, Clyde Simms, Dwayne De Rosario, Chris Pontius, Josh Wolff (Captain), Charlie Davies.
Available D.C. United substitutes: Steve Cronin (GK), Chris Korb, Brandon Barklage, Stephen King, Fred, Joseph, Ngwenya, Blake Brettschneider.
Full Philadelphia Union starting lineup: Faryd Mondragon (GK, Captain), Jordan Harvey, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Sheanon Williams, Justin Mapp, Brian Carroll, Veljko Paunovic, Sebastion Le Toux, Danny Mwanga, Carlos Ruiz.
Available Philadelphia Union substitutes: Roger Torres, Kyle Nakazawa, Amobi Okugo, Jack McInerney, Gabriel Farfan, Keon Daniel, Zac MacMath (GK).