Not for the first time this season, D.C. United missed a chance to solidify their spot in the MLS playoff places on Thursday night. After being down 2-0, United rallied to tie the match 2-2 at halftime, only to give up a second-half goal and fall 3-2 to the Philadelphia Union. So United remain on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, and are still looking for their first winning streak of the season as they travel to Columbus to face the Crew, who are winless in their last six matches and are feeling their grip on a top-three place in the Eastern Conference start to slip away.
D.C. United at Columbus Crew
When: 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 2.
Where: Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
TV: CSN+ (Check what channel that is here)
Team News and Tactics
D.C. United: The Black-and-Red's depth will be tested to the full on Sunday. Center-back Brandon McDonald will miss this match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season Thursday night. Who will replace him is an open question. D.C. United would like to have Dejan Jakovic be able to provide cover at center-back, but Jakovic's hamstring injury is still very much touch-and-go. If Jakovic can't go, another candidate to take McDonald's place is Perry Kitchen, who has mostly been deployed as a right back this season. If Kitchen is called upon, look for Chris Korb to slide into the right back position. Daniel Woolard or Marc Burch could also be called on to fill out United's makeshift back line (White himself is listed as questionable with an MCL strain).
Elsewhere, Charlie Davies resumed training after struggling with a stomach virus this week, but don't be surprised if he starts on the substitutes bench Sunday. Davies, you will remember, scored two goals in the season opener between these two teams on March 19 at RFK. Dwayne De Rosario was subbed off with a knee contusion on Thursday night. He's listed as probable, but don't expect him to go the full 90 even if he does play (not a guarantee by any stretch).
Columbus Crew: Robbie Rogers is listed as being out with a hamstring strain. In happier news for Columbus, midfielder Danny O'Rourke is expected to play after resting his left knee during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. Defender Chad Marshall is also likely to play despite suffering from a left ankle sprain. But the biggest returning piece for Columbus could be Eddie Gaven, who's missed the previous five games with a right leg contusion but is expected to see action Sunday.