Enemy Scouting Report - D.C. United
(image via D.C. United)
The Houston Dynamo enter tonight’s match against Ben Olsen’s former team reeling from a recent setback, squandering a 2-0 lead to settle for a draw against the Seattle Sounders. Despite a strong showing for most of the match, amid rainy conditions Wednesday, Houston faltered, conceding two quick goals to the visitors within six minutes. Persistent small errors continue to haunt the team, proving costly in critical moments.
The Dynamo now hit the road to face D.C. United in the nation’s capital. Ben Olsen, with over 20 years of history as both a player and coach there, is intimately familiar with the opposition. Since Olsen's departure, D.C. has navigated through four coaches in as many years, experiencing a turbulent period. However, the team boasts a wealth of talent, with Christian Benteke leading the charge as their most potent threat. The Belgian striker has netted 13 goals this season, trailing only Chicho Arango, who has scored 16, in the MLS Golden Boot race. The Dynamo's defense will need to neutralize Benteke's effectiveness to stand a chance in this match.
Additionally, Mateusz Klich and Jared Stroud are pivotal figures in DC's midfield. Stroud has contributed with one goal and seven assists, while Klich has notched two goals and three assists. Despite their midfield prowess, DC United has shown vulnerability defensively. Houston must capitalize on these weaknesses and execute decisively to secure a positive result.
D.C. United Record: 4W-7D-8L
Results in the last 30 days:
May 18 - Miami 1-0 D.C. United
May 25 - D.C. United 1-1 Chicago
May 29 - Montreal 4-2 D.C. United
June 1 - D.C. United 2-2 Toronto
June 15 - Charlotte 1-0 D.C. United
June 19 - D.C. United 0-1 Atlanta
Past Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
There will likely be some variation but look to see many of the players in the graphic starting.
2024 Active Roster
Goalkeepers: Tyler Miller, Alex Bono, Nathan Crockford, Luis Zamudio
Defenders: Lucas Bartlett, Mattu Peltola, Conner Antley, Steve Birnbaum, Garrison Tubbs, Aaron Herrera, Hayden Sargis, Matai Akinmboni, Christopher McVey
Midfielders: Russell Canouse, Pedro Santos, Jared Stroud, Gabriel Pirani, Martin Rodriguez, Jeremy Garay, Ted Ku-DiPietro, Jackson Hopkins, Mateusz Klich
Forwards: Cristian Dajome, Jacob Murrell, Christian Benteke, Kristian Fletcher
Will Houston add points in Ben Olsen’s return to DC?
