In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Donald Wine II of The District Press to learn more about DC United, New York City FC's opponent for the second time this season. Here is your NYCFC vs DC United preview.
• League Form: D-D-L-L-L
• Record: 4W, 9D, 15L | 21 points, 15th place in Eastern Conference
• Scoring Leader: Christian Benteke, 8 goals
• Assist Leader: Gabriel Pirani, 3 assists
1. Current DC United lineup not built for MLS
Hudson River Blue: DC United was the first team eliminated from playoff contention after Saturday’s surprising 1-1 draw with Inter Miami. DC haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2019, so what do you think needs to be done to make the postseason once again?
Donald Wine II: The roster as it stands currently just isn’t prepared for the rigors of MLS, and the depth hasn’t been present this season. They need creative attackers, guys who can hold possession, and above all, people who can score in bunches. DC has only scored more than 1 goal in a match just once since May 31st, and they lost that match to Austin 4-2 (Nashville had an own goal in their Open Cup matchup to give DC a second). They’ve only scored 2+ goals in 9 matches this season across all competitions and only scored 3 goals in a match once (vs. Charlotte in Open Cup play). That has to be a priority, but another roster overhaul seems likely.
2. Jackson Hopkins is looking good
HRB: DC sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and is on an 11-game winless streak, with its last victory coming on May 31 against Cincinnati. Have there been any promising players or positive takeaways during that disappointing stretch?
DW: Jackson Hopkins has really started to come along. He started up top with the captain’s armband last weekend against Miami and got the opening goal (a banger). He’s scored in a few matches this month, and he’s been the main guy who has really thrived so far under Weiler. He’s an academy product and missed a bunch of time in the first half of the season due to injury, so he has returned with a purpose. He’s grown before our eyes, and it’s very cool to see him use these opportunities to get better and have it reflected on the scoresheet.
3. Christian Benteke still dangerous despite down year
HRB: After winning the Golden Boot last year, Christian Benteke has cooled down a bit this season, scoring eight goals. With the 34-year-old striker struggling with injuries, how much longer do you think the Benteke era at DC will last?
DW: I worry that the team may go in a different direction in the offseason, but it’s really not Benteke’s fault that his production has slipped this season. In addition to the injuries keeping him out for extended periods, he’s not getting a ton of service in positions that would allow him to be lethal.
That could be used as the excuse to quietly say goodbye to him in the offseason, but they need a plan to bring in a few DPs that can energize the fan base, but also be players that can work together and be cohesive on the field. Benteke has had to shoulder that pressure alone for the most part, and that isn’t fair to him. He could still be great for DC United next year…but if a roster upheaval is coming, he may not want to be a part of that.
4. The X-Factor: DC United's passion
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
DW: Heart. With nothing to play for in terms of postseason, DC United can only play hard. Head coach René Weiler has said his only priority is evaluating the players to see who he brings into next season, so the guys have to go out on the field and prove their spot. They would love to get one on the road, so if DC United comes out with the inspired play they had against Inter Miami, that could keep things close.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
DW: There has been a lot of turnover in the lineup, and with the new coach, he’s likely trying some things, so here is a predicted lineup.
Predicted score: NYCFC wins 3-2
