Toothless in New England

With Tai Baribo out with a groin injury, DC United lost to New England last Saturday (April 11) in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (The photo of New England's Gillette Stadium shown above was taken in August of 2022.)

DC's lineup:

Johnson in goal

Kurokawa, Nealis, Bartlett, Hefti in defense

Peglow, Servania, Peltola, Herrera in midfield

Hopkins, Pirani at forward

Subs: Munteanu for Pirani (60th minute), Turner for Servania (74st), Murrell for Hopkins (87th), Clark for Bartlett (87th)

DC started Aaron Herrera in midfield and moved Jackson Hopkins up to forward to adjust for Baribo's absence.

DC almost got off to a flying start as Peltola hit the left post with a long-range shot in the opening 2 minutes, and outshot New England 6 to 4 in the first half. However, New England dominated possession (62% to 38%). They got on the board in the 35th minute when Dor Turgeman (who got away with a two-handed shove of Hefti to clear his path to the ball) slid the ball to Alhassan Yusuf at the top of the box. Yusuf finished clinically. It was 1-0 New England at the half.

DC played much more aggressively in the second half, as New England seemed content to bunker and launch the occasional counterattack. However, despite much improved possession (approximately 54% in the second half) and 8 shots, DC just could not find a goal. The Black and Red have a much improved defense this year, but the offense just is not there.

DC plays a US Open Cup game at Audi Field this Wednesday (April 15) at 730pm against One Knoxville. The team then returns to the road on Saturday (April 18) at 730pm to play the Philadelphia Union in Chester, PA. The Screaming Eagles are sending a bus of supporters up to the Philly game.