Union at D.C. United
7 p.m. on The Comcast Network
It’s been a busy week for the Union. Bringing in Alejandro Bedoya, Charlie Davies and trading Sebastien Le Toux, the new-look Union (8-8-6) hope roster change sparks on-field play as they look to end a standings slide against D.C. United (5-8-8) on Saturday night at RFK Stadium.
Here are five things to know for the matchup:
1. Roster moves
Though the Union were extra busy at the transfer window deadline, it might not mean much for Saturday’s match. Davies is probable and Bedoya is questionable for Saturday.
“Charlie gets in on a flight tonight,” Curtin said on Thursday. “He’ll be part of the group for D.C. Alejandro is still in the process of flying over. He likely will meet the team in D.C., and it’s still to be determined what’s best.”
In other words, don’t expect to see Bedoya’s Union debut, despite Curtin’s original optimism.
Between the extensive travel and lack of time with his new team, Curtin will be taking it slow with the club’s new prized possession.
“We have to do what’s smart with all the travel, a new team,” Curtin said. “It might not make sense to rush things before he gets acquainted with everyone.”
Without Bedoya, the Union will likely tap a more defensive Warren Creavalle at the No. 8 with Tranquillo Barnetta at the center attacking midfield spot. Davies will most likely act as primary forward backup to C.J. Sapong.
2. Winning on the road
Earning points as visitors has been an issue plaguing the Union in 2016.
“We know we have a tough task to go on the road,” Curtin said. “We had a strong meeting today with the group, in terms of the good things we’ve done this year, the things we can work on, our home record, away record, and what we can improve, some new goals and targets for these last 12 games.”
Improvement is needed, and fast. With a 1-6-3 road record, and with seven of their final 12 games away from home, being poor on the road is an issue that could cost the Union a playoff spot if they can’t fix it soon.
“We need to be a bit more attacking in the way we go about the game,” said Union forward Chris Pontius, who plays his first game back in RFK Stadium since leaving United for the Union this offseason. “In terms of how we pressure teams, we need to be more aggressive in all aspects of the game.”
3. United revenge
On July 9, the Union destroyed United, 3-0. It wasn’t even that close. But with a fresh contest on Saturday, both teams are taking little from the recent blowout.
“They’re a much different team than the one we beat 3-0,” Curtin said. “That was recently, but they’ve had some turnover.”
That turnover included picking up MLS players Lloyd Sam, Patrick Mullins and Kennedy Igboananike.
“[Ben Olsen's] made some good adjustments to his group,” Curtin said. “He brought in some good players like he always tends to do down the stretch. You think of Igboananike, a Lloyd Sam, a Patrick Mullins, guys we’ll have to be aware of. They are good attacking pieces that are experienced in our league.”
Curtin is hoping the injection of new blood into a struggling United team takes an added week to set in.
“With that turnover, hopefully there’s a little maybe rustiness and getting used to each other,” he said jokingly. “So hopefully we can take advantage of that.”
But according to Igboananike, that’s not going to happen.
“I feel great,” he said. “I’m still learning a lot from the boys. I’ll fit in very quickly with the team.”
4. Keep an eye on ...
Union: Playing his former club at RFK Stadium for the first time since joining the Union, Pontius will want to put on a show. He has no goals against United in two wins this season.
United: Igboananike might be a newcomer to United, but he’s an old nemesis for the Union. The former Fire forward scored a goal and had four shots when he faced the Union back in April. That was after scoring two goals and notching an assist last August. When Igboananike is on, he has the potential to crush the Union defense.
5. This and that
• The Union will be without left back Fabinho, who is suspended for yellow-card accumulation. Ray Gaddis will take his place.
• Although Union goalkeeper Andre Blake rested on Wednesday after suffering a minor groin injury in the MLS All-Star Game, he is expected to start. He practiced in full to end the week. “Nothing major, but just a little precautionary,” Curtin said.
• Union newcomer Davies scored two goals in his last four games against United, while with the Revolution.
• The Union are 7-7-3 against United all-time.