D.C. United has a chance to continue to build on its growing unbeaten streak at RFK Stadium when the Houston Dynamo visit on Saturday. It’s at 14 games and counting, including 10 straight in regular season play since June of last year. Since the beginning of the 2014 season, the Black-and-Red are 17-2-4 at RFK in all competitions.
It’s been a darn good week for Perry Kitchen. Following his first career two-goal performance against the New York Red Bulls last weekend, he played a part in U.S. Soccer’s latest dos-a-cero result against Mexico on Wednesday, coming off the bench for the final 27 minutes. By Thursday afternoon, he was back at RFK Stadium, preparing for the Houston Dynamo.
After departing the Orlando match at halftime and missing the New York Red Bulls clash, Nick DeLeon has been back in action this week ahead of Saturday’s visit by the Dynamo. With the fourth-year midfielder available, United Head Coach Ben Olsen will some options at his disposal, as Michael Farfan has been solid in DeLeon’s absence and Luis Silva continues to build fitness after his long injury layoff.
Former D.C. goalkeeper Joe Willis hasn’t yet seen action for the Dynamo since being traded to Houston during the offseason. He was in a tight battle with starter Tyler Deric throughout the preseason, and Deric has strengthened his case since the regular season’s start, winning MLS Save of the Week three times and logging a 0.50 goals against average, 21 saves, three shutouts and the league’s best saves percentage (91.3).
Other notes on the overall series with Houston:
ALL-TIME (21 meetings): United 6 wins, 21 goals … Dynamo 13 wins, 37 goals … Ties 2
AT RFK STADIUM (10 meetings): United 5 wins, 14 goals … Dynamo 4 wins, 16 goals … Ties 1
LAST YEAR (MLS):
5/21: DC 2, HOU 0 (Rolfe 28; Espíndola 63); 8/3: HOU 1, DC 0 (Bruin 91+); 10/12: HOU 1, DC 3 (Barnes 83 – Kemp 41; Espíndola 64; Johnson 87)
This is the only league meeting between the teams this season.
When United won 3-1 last Oct. 12 at BBVA Compass Stadium, it was their first victory in Houston in 12 meetings all time in league and cup play. The Dynamo had won 10 of the first 11 matchups there, with one draw.
United’s win last May 21 at RFK Stadium was their first against the Dynamo since the 2012 season. The Dynamo had won six of seven meetings in between, with one draw, including a victory and a tie in the 2012 Eastern Conference Championship.
- Coaches record: Ben Olsen vs. HOU: P12 W3 L8 D1 … Owen Coyle vs. D.C.: first game
