Another 2-1 Road Loss

DC debuted a new shirt for the game against Charlotte

Despite their new uniform (shown above), a shorthanded DC United lost 2-1 to Charlotte last night (July 16) in Charlotte.

DC officially announced the hiring of new head coach Rene Weiler earlier in the day, but until his work visa is approved, Kevin Flanagan will be interim coach. The starting lineup was

Barraza in goal

Dodson, Rowles, Tubbs, Antley in defense

Peglow, Servania, Peltola, Hopkins, Pirani in midfield

Badji at forward

Subs: Enow for Antley (halftime), Leal for Hopkins (halftime), Kijima for Badji (65th), Stroud for Dodson (83rd), Zouhir for Pirani (87th)

Both Schnegg and Herrera were suspended for the game (yellow card accumulations) and Benteke did not travel with the team (muscle tightness). Benteke has not played a full game since his ankle injury in May.

Charlotte came out blazing, but Barraza thwarted them with a brilliant double save in the second minute. DC offered no offense but contained Charlotte until just before halftime, when Charlotte's Pep Biel scored from 8 yards out. Beal added a second goal in the 48th minute after a nice cross from Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty.

Charlotte continued to push for more to put the game away, but Pirani took things in his own hands in the 60th minute. He dribbled from midfield and scored from about 23 yards to cut the score to 2-1. DC then seized the momentum for about 10 minutes but could not find the equalizer. As the half wore to a close, Charlotte shut down any DC opportunities. Barraza made several more good saves but DC had little left and it ended 2-1.

Pirani has now scored in his last 3 games.

No rest for the weary: DC's 4th road game in less than two weeks will be this Saturday, July 19 at 730pm at Columbus. DC returns home on the 26th when they host Austin.