D.C. United have quickly moved past their last match to put the focus on hosting the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Wise move. Despite scoring struggles, the Crew (2-0-3, 9 points) are one of two unbeatens in MLS along with Inter Miami (3-0-1, 10 points).
The Crew still pose a threat, because D.C. (1-1-3, 6 points) was vulnerable in a 4-1 loss to Orlando City last Saturday.
D.C. coach Troy Lesesne had a message for his players as they began practice this week.
“I want the players to come back in and be ready to get ready for Columbus. That’s all I care about,” he said. “We have to have the type of reflection that’s going to help us prepare for this week and get past this. Honestly, there were some moments in the (Orlando game) we can build off of.”
The Crew did everything but score in a 0-0 draw against New York City FC in the last match. They led 23-5 in shots and had 1.6 expected goals compared to 0.2 for New York.
“Sometimes it’s not about how we attack the box,” Crew coach Wilfried Nancy said. “This is about spontaneity, and I think the last game we could have been better.”
The Crew scored once while tying the past three matches. With goals at a premium, they will have to be tight defensively against 2024 MLS goal leader Christian Benteke.
The Belgium forward had 23 last season and is on a strong pace again with three of D.C.’s seven scores.
Columbus will be boosted by the returns of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, midfielder Max Arfsten and defender Mo Farsi from national team call-ups. Also, defender Malte Amundsen will be available after serving a red-card suspension.
While Nancy would love to have more points, he is pleased.
“We are consistent. This is most important,” he said. “After that, this season is young. It does no good to talk about the future but for the moment what we are doing is interesting.”
–Field Level Media
