RFK Stadium may not be the prettiest soccer stadiums but it is certainly one of the most historic.
It is a stadium that has seen 3 MLS Cups, the 1994 World Cup, and countless U.S. Men’s National Team matches played there. It has also seen of the greats of the game lace their boots and brace the shaking the stadium for a ninety minute match. On Wednesday night it will be home to another historical moment as Kaka and Orlando City will make their first appearance there when they take on D.C. United.
In the first match between these two clubs this season, United squeaked by with the 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal off of a free kick by midfielder Luis Silva. Orlando certainly put the pressure on D.C. but were stopped on every occasion thanks to a brilliant performance by United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.
Though the result may have been far from ideal, Orlando City SC coach Adrian Heath should adopt a similar formula for this match. In the first match, Orlando found their greatest success by attacking the United center-back combination of Bobby Boswell and Kofi Opare. Kaka would thread passes to teammates by forcing either to directly engage him and thus leaving pockets of space. It is this tiny little skills that Orlando may use again to break an early deadlock.
But much like in the first match, Kaka cannot do it alone. Orlando Cyle Larin must be able to finish his opportunities especially he has just Hamid to beat. Against United in Orlando, he used his speed to cause problems for defenders. But time and time again he came up short. Larin may be learning on the job but he may be asked to come up big in this match.
GOAL 64′ DC United got the winner through Rolfe. He played a one-two with himself before powering a fine shot past Ousted.
Winger Brek Shea may also provide an interesting option up front for Orlando. Due to their number of injuries, Heath has used him both as a left-back and in the midfield. He is obviously more of an attacker than defender but as evidenced by his goal-saving clear in the first match between these two sides he is learning.
United supporters meanwhile will get their first look at Markus Halsti. Halsti who signed with United earlier in the off-season will likely slot in as a defensive midfielder opposite Perry Kitchen. Halsti should help out Opare in clearing out crosses and set pieces. Depending upon how fit he is, he may end up in a 65-25 minute split with Davy Arnaud.
For United to move their undefeated streak to 14 games Silva will have to step up. Without forward Fabian Espindola. Espindola who just came back to the club a few weeks back has reportedly suffered a knee injury. Without him, United coach Ben Olsen will likely go with Chris Rolfe and Jairo Arrieta. But it will be Silva setting them up and trying his chances from long-range.
Both teams had their opportunities in the first match but were unable to convert on their opportunities. This match should be a bit different with United looking to preserve their unbeaten streak and Orlando City’s strikers looking to find their form.
