D.C. United understand how important earning the full nine points during their three-game homestand at Audi Field is toward their playoff push.
After the thrilling victory over Orlando City SC and the convincing win over the Portland Timbers, the Black-and-Red look to complete their quest for nine points against the New England Revolution at Audi Field on Sunday (7:30 pm ET | FS1).
After winning their first two games of the week, just six points currently separate the Black-and-Red from the playoff line. One of the teams that stand in their way is the New England Revolution, who currently hold the seventh position in the standings with 29 points.
United will take the field Sunday with their sights set on winning their fourth consecutive game at home for the first time since 2016. In just five games at Audi Field, the Black-and-Red have already established a home-field advantage as they have played to a 4-1-0 record with a plus-six goal differential.
In United’s four-game unbeaten streak, Luciano Acosta has initiated the attack by scoring or assisting on a goal in each game. In those four games, the Argentinian has compiled three goals and three assists and will aim to sustain that torrid pace against the Revolution.
Against Portland, goalkeeper Bill Hamid made his return to Washington D.C. as he suited up for the Black-and-Red for the first time in 11 months. In his homecoming, the Virginia native’s key 36th-minute save kept United’s deficit at one before the team scored four unanswered goals. If Hamid is in goal on Sunday, he will have a chance to register the 50th shutout of his career.
The Black-and-Red will attempt to avenge the loss in June to the Revolution, where a 78th minute penalty kick from Cristian Penilla led New England to victory. In the weeks since that defeat, United have transformed significantly. The additions of Wayne Rooney, Hamid and former Portland defender Vytas, combined with the return of injured players, have rejuvenated the side.
New England, meanwhile, has not won since that June 30 victory over United, going 0-4-2 since. In their last match, the Revolution were outdone by a penalty kick in the 76th minute that led the Philadelphia Union to a 3-2 win.
Teal Bunbury has been the spark for the New England attack as he leads the team with 11 goals, including five game-winning tallies. The United attack, who have scored three or more goals in consecutive games for the first time this season, and will be tasked with scoring against goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Revolution goalkeeper has started every game for the team and has recorded 75 saves with five shutouts.
