Aug 9, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; D.C. United ahead
Dominique Badji (23) kicks the ball towards Mazatlan defender Willian Vargas (27) throughout the second half within the Leagues Cup Spherical of 32 at Audi Area. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities Two golf equipment in search of a late postseason push meet on Saturday when FC Dallas go to D.C. United in Washington.
Dallas (8-11-6, 30 factors) and D.C. (6-11-8, 26 factors) are every beneath the playoff line of their respective conferences because the MLS common season resumes after the Leagues Cup break. Previous to the hiatus, nevertheless, each groups gave the impression to be rounding into kind.
Dallas was 2-0-1 in its final three MLS matches earlier than being eradicated within the group stage of the Leagues Cup. The Toros now return to motion with a a lot more healthy squad, plus some new faces acquired throughout the switch window.
“It was onerous for us to play in three competitions with so many accidents. … Now we are able to inform that the roster is extra full, to be trustworthy,” Dallas interim coach Peter Luccin stated.
Designated gamers Alan Velasco and Jesus Ferreira are among the many names who may very well be out there Saturday. Velasco is nearing his first motion since tearing his left ACL throughout final season’s MLS Cup playoffs, whereas Ferreira has missed two months attributable to a leg harm.
D.C. United’s lineup has additionally been bolstered by higher well being and a few reinforcements. David Schnegg, Dominique Badji and Boris Enow all made their D.C. debuts throughout the Leagues Cup after being acquired within the switch window interval.
An unsightly 0-8-3 stretch threatened to wreck D.C. United’s season, however the membership has bounced again from that winless drought. D.C. gained its final two regular-season matches previous to the break, then gained its League Cup group earlier than dropping to Mazatlan within the first knockout spherical.
“We actually did what we needed to,” D.C. coach Troy Lesesne stated. “To have the ability to maintain that momentum and say, ‘OK, we will come out of that competitors and actually attempt to deal with the ultimate 9 (regular-season) matches, taking advantage of what’s left of 2024.'”
D.C. United are 4-6-3 at dwelling this season, whereas the Toros are 0-8-4 on the street. FC Dallas and St. Louis Metropolis (0-6-6) are the one MLS groups who’ve but to document an away victory.
–Area Degree Media