It’s matchday in the Twin Cities, where D.C. United look to pick up three points on the road against Western Conference opponents Minnesota United FC.
Saturday will be just the 5th meeting between the two clubs, with the series locked at two wins-a-piece. The Loons (8-4-8, W-D-L) have crept up the standings in recent weeks after picking up three wins and a draw in their last four outings.
D.C. United look to put an end to that streak and build off the momentum of a gritty, midweek comeback against Columbus.
“Every point matters,” Chris Durkin told D.C. United reporter Claudia Pagán after the match. He and the Black-and-Red look to leave Minnesota with three points on Saturday night—nothing less.
D.C. United fans can watch the match at the Official Heineken Watch Party at Across the Pond Restaurant & Pub. Tune in to NBC Sports Washington, TeleXitos, dcunited.com/stream and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET.
Last Time Out
The Black-and-Red picked up a hard-fought point at Audi Field on Wednesday, which saw Taxi Fountas score his 10th goal in just his 12th appearance for D.C.
It was a frustrating match for D.C. who, despite creating a number of chances throughout the match, found themselves trailing 1-2 as time waned on. In stoppage time, D.C. through everything forward in hopes of finding the equalizer and in the 92nd minute Ola Kamara bundled the ball over across the line to do just that.
Kamara’s 7th goal of the season capped off a defiant performance for the Black-and-Red who are battling to keep themselves in playoff contention halfway through the season.
When asked why they shouldn’t be counted out of the race just yet, Chris Durkin, who took home Man of the Match honors on Wednesday said, “We have a lot of quality on the team and we just need that belief and need that confidence.”
With a new head coach waiting in the wings, the Black-and-Red have plenty to prove as individuals and as a collective. More importantly, they have a critical mission if they hope to climb the Eastern Conference standings quickly—take maximum points from each match, however they can.
Scouting Report
The Loons are unbeaten in their last four matches, with three wins and most recently a draw against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.
DP midfielder Emmanuel Reynoso has played a huge role in the success of head coach Adrian Heath’s side, recording 7 goals and 5 assists in MLS play. His ability to facilitate has been widely known since he arrived in Minnesota in 2020. But his ability to create and convert goal scoring chances has stunned many defenses this season.
With that in mind, D.C. will likely look to limit his time on the ball and, on the other end, hope that their forwards continue to create chances like they did on Wednesday.
Next Home Match
D.C. United host German giants FC Bayern Munich at Audi Field on Wednesday, July 20.
It’ll be a packed house come kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET, but even if you don’t have tickets to the match, there’s plenty happening around the stadium.
Supporters can enjoy the Beers and Brats Festival outside the stadium (east side)—starting at 3 p.m. with food and beverages from a number of local vendors. And stick around for the outdoor screening of the match.
And if you can’t make it to Audi Field, no worries. The match will be streaming live on ESPN+.
