Washington has not lost in RFK Stadium since a 1-0 outing against Sporting Kansas City on March 10. Since then, United have gone on an impressive 8-0-2 run at their home on East Capitol Street, something that has put them in contention for a berth in the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Such a berth is far from guaranteed, though, as United have upcoming matches against Chicago, New York, Montreal and Salt Lake to test their mettle and legitimize their playoff contention. First though, the Philadelphia Union, who travel to Washington to face D.C. United at 5:00 p.m. at RFK Stadium on the NBC Sports Network.
The Union has struggled on the road this season, amassing just a 2-7-1 record outside of Philadelphia. This, and D.C.'s recent acquiring of forward Lionard Pajoy from -- of all places -- Philadelphia, seem to favor United in this match at home heading into a particularly brutal stretch of the club's schedule.
Working against Washington, though, is a rash of injuries, including those to defenders Robbie Russell (foot) and Daniel Woolard (concussion). Also with a foot injury is forward Maicon Santos, the person whose minutes Lionard Pajoy should absorb in his new role.
Given the circumstances though, United head coach Ben Olsen seems cautiously optimistic about D.C.'s chances both today and in the immediate future.
We could be in better health to get through this stretch, but that doesn’t matter. We have to find a way to make sure we’re picking up points to put ourselves in a good spot. We’ve got to make it work.
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