The temperature is climbing, and cherry blossoms are in full. As the nation’s capital warms up after a bitter winter, D.C. United takes the field this weekend, out to erase bitter memories from a 4-0 loss to the Kansas City Wizards last week.
Not much went right for the Black-and-Red during their trip to Kansas City, as a makeshift defense was victimized by a brand-new Wizards lineup. Troy Perkins got a glance of what life might be like this year if the back four can’t get their act together in 2010.
While the defense failed to deal with the likes of Ryan Smith and Davy Arnaud, the attack sputtered. Youngster Andy Najar earned a surprise start, while new signing Danny Allsopp struggled to get into the game. Not much to glean from that performance, and bouncing back this weekend would be a much-needed lift.
Old head Juan Manuel Pena’s debut comes at a welcome time — as does Saturday night’s opponent New England. The Revolution lost a close 1-0 decision against Los Angeles Galaxy, and continue to deal with a rash of injuries.
Taylor Twellman and Matt Reis remain out for long term, while Shalrie Joseph is a question mark. The departure of Jeff Larentowicz and Steve Ralston leaves the Revolution bare in the depth department, although with Steve Nicol at the helm New England is still a team to fear.
Enduring a dominating loss to his old club surely has Curt Onalfo chomping at the bit to get back into action, and it’s an early test to see how he prepares the club to bounce back. Home openers can be a big draw, and a win would not only make the opening beat down a distant memory, but it would also generate and help retain interest for the 2010 season.
Pulling that off is easier said than done, and it’s a tough challenge to take down New England, even at RFK.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
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