There’s a fresh outlook at D.C. United.
The team hopes the new energy will pay off against the Colorado Rapids, who visit for Sunday night’s game at Washington, D.C.
D.C. United (7-17-4, 25 points) are in last place in the Eastern Conference but are trying to secure back-to-back MLS wins for the first time since the first two games of the season. They beat New York City FC 2-1 on Wednesday night.
Christian Benteke and Kristian Fletcher will make their home debuts with D.C. United.
“For the young players, it’s a great opportunity to come in and impress me,” coach Wayne Rooney said. “We have to focus on the next few years and developing the best players.”
The Rapids (8-12-8, 32 points) are on a five-game winless streak, though they managed a pair of 1-1 draws during that stretch. But in their last two games, they’ve been outscored 10-1 in setbacks to Philadelphia and Nashville.
“I certainly don’t feel as if it’s over,” Rapids coach Robin Fraser said of a quest for a playoff bid. “It’s really dark at the moment. You just have to keep fighting.”
Rooney was encouraged by D.C. United’s latest result.
“It was the best performance we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Rooney, whose team has won twice since he made his sideline debut on July 31.
D.C. United have scored two goals in each of their last two games. Those four goals reflect the third-best two-game stretch in terms of scoring for the team this season.
Rapids forward Diego Rubio has either a goal or an assist in nine of his last 11 games. He is Colorado’s top scorer with 12 goals and seven assists.
This will be the first game since Fraser delivered some harsh criticism of the league’s officiating.
“I don’t think referees realize how much these calls change games and fates of teams,” he said earlier this week. “(If) I’m public enemy No. 1 for referees, so be it.”
The Rapids are 1-0-1 in two previous visits to Washington D.C. The last trip resulted in a 2-1 victory in the 2020 season opener. This is the only meeting between the teams this year.
–Field Level Media
