D.C. United (1-2-2, 4 pts.) were knocked out of the MLS is Back Tournament after suffering a 1-0 defeat against the Montreal Impact (2-2-1, 7 pts.) in their final group stage match on July 21. The Black-and-Red are now 7-6-7 against the Impact in club history.
United made three changes to the starting lineup from their 1-1 draw against New England on July 17. Chris Odoi-Atsem replaced Oniel Fisher in defense to make his first start since the 3-3 tie against Chicago on May 29, 2019. In attack, Ulises Segura started in place of Erik Sorga, while Júnior Moreno returned to the lineup after missing the last match due to suspension. In the opening moments of the match, the Black-and-Red looked lively, applying pressure on Montreal and moving the ball around the pitch with purpose. In the 31st minute, Montreal opened the scoring with Saphir Taider’s shot deflecting off of Frédéric Brillant and ending up in the back of the net to make it 1-0 going into the break.
In the second half, Homegrown midfielder Kevin Paredes came on for Julian Gressel in the 51st minute to make his third consecutive appearance for the Black-and-Red. The substitute created United’s best opportunity of the game in the 58th minute after getting on the end of a cross from Odoi-Atsem and forcing a difficult save from Montreal’s goalkeeper. In the 70th minute, Ola Kamara and Federico HiguaÃn replaced Yamil Asad and Chris Odoi-Atsem. Griffin Yow entered the match in the 83rd minute for Ulises Segura to make his first appearance of the season. Despite maintaining a majority of possession and some creating dangerous opportunities, the Black-and-Red were unable to equalize as the game ended 1-0 to Montreal.
