MLS’ 25th season kicks of this Saturday with a clash of two of its inaugural ten clubs: the Colorado Rapids visiting DC United.
This season marks a new era for both of these teams as they both look to get off to a good start to the season.
For DC United, the fanfare and notoriety of having the great Wayne Rooney, no longer looms over this organization. With the former Manchester United legend and Luciano Acosta both plying their trade elsewhere, United’s front office has remade the Black and Red attack.
In their place comes Atlanta United play-maker Julian Gressel and club record transfer Edison Flores. These two dynamic players, along with the return of Yamil Asad, should help pace a United attack that will miss the top end talent of Rooney and Acosta. However, with the new additions, you should see a more tactically flexible United attack that can find a way to match up with any team.
The Rapids are looking to build their own new era, starting with a playoff birth at the end of the season. While they will miss the leadership of their recently retired leader, Tim Howard, this team is on an upward trajectory under the manager, Robin Fraser.
Colorado will be spurred by Danish play-maker, Younes Namli, who joins the Rapids on a two year loan deal. Namli should immediately slot in as the team’s number 10 and along with former Toronto FC midfielder Nicolas Benezet, should bring a creative spark to the team’s attack.
With Namli and Benezet joining the likes of Kellyn Acosta and Kei Kamara, this is a strong and deep side that should be considered a strong playoff contender in the difficult Western Conference.
Team news
DC United is reeling from the news that midfielder Paul Arriola will likely miss the entire 2020 campaign after tearing his ACL in a preseason friendly against Orlando City. This will be a tough loss for United, as Arriola was both an excellent player and a leader on this team. DC United might have found a stop gap measure for his loss in the rumored possible signing of Frederico Higuain, but Arriola will definitely be missed on the field.
For the Rapids, they will hope that Nicolas Benezet will be recovered enough from a broken nose suffered in the pre-season but otherwise begin the season with a relatively healthy squad.
DC United Expected Starting XI
Courtesy of Buildlineup.com
Colorado Rapids Expected Starting XI
Courtesy of Buildlineup.com
Head-to-head
DC United: 13 Wins
Colorado Rapids: 3 Wins
Draws: 6
