It's about that time when D.C. United amps up their typical midseason pressure.
Perhaps a 2-1 win over early-season power Chicago, after winning only one of seven road matches this season, will give United the confidence they need to move forward and earn much needed points in a deep Eastern Conference.
The Red Bulls are fresh off a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA, a team previously unbeaten in three matches, after two straight defeats. Juan Pablo Ángel scored the game-winner in the 75th minute.
New York will look to regain the Atlantic Cup after United retained the coveted trophy at RFK on Aug. 22, 2007 with a 3-1 win. The season series (three games), which United won 2-1 last season, begins on Saturday. Saturday's match is also the beginning of a stretch in which the Red Bulls play six of seven games away from Giants Stadium.
On paper, Saturday's game is about defense. D.C. United has given up an astonishing 23 goals in 12 games, worst in the league, while New York has conceded only 10, good for second in the league. If the Red Bulls can manage to get through the midfield, the United defense could have their hands full.
The Red Bulls' back line was impressive in their match against Chivas. Since the five-goal barrage at the hands of the Fire, New York's defense has appeared organized. If it weren't for that Sunday match two weeks ago, the Red Bulls have only given up five goals. Goalkeeper Jon Conway may have saved the day on a Sacha Kljestan breakaway in first-half stoppage time, but Conway's overall presence and leadership of the back line is evident.
New York's defense will have their hands full with United striker Jaime Moreno, originally signed by New York and teammate with the Red Bulls' Chris Leitch and Mike Magee during the 2003 season before Moreno was traded to United for future and additional considerations. During Saturday's 2-1 win, Moreno broke a scoreless tie in the 63rd minute on a rebound off of Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch. The goal was Moreno's fifth of the season, which leads United.
Attacking-wise, what happened against Chicago was a shock. United got behind the best-ranked, in terms of goals allowed (eight), defensive team in the league repeatedly. Busch, league leader in GAA (0.80), had his hands full for a full 90 minutes, and if it weren't for his eight saves, the home match could have been a route. Brazilian midfielder Fred seems to be healthy after missing three games due to a hamstring strain and this only gives United more options when going forward.
Marcelo Gallardo was the recipient of one of two red cards, and one of 10 cards against the Fire, and will serve his suspension against New York. Gallardo has three goals.
