It is always nice to go to Panama after a difficult loss. Although most people come to Panama in August for the sandy beaches and cigars D.C. United heads to the Central American nation for a far more important reason: the CONCACAF Champions League. On Tuesday evening, the club begins continental football play with a match against Panama side Arabe Unido. The match will be played at the Estadio Armando Deley Valdes stadium in Colon, Panama at 8pm EST on Fox Soccer Plus.
This is the second consecutive CCL campaign for D.C. United. During 2014-2015 United started strong winning their Group Stage. However, the club was crushed by Costa Rican side Alajuelense in the knockout stage, eventually dropping out after two legs by the score of 6-4.
Of course the biggest question for United supporters entering into this match is how serious D.C. will take this road match. After a difficult loss on Thursday against New York City F.C., United coach Ben Olsen could look at this as an opportunity to get a boost and a chance to give reserves some key minutes. Although Bill Hamid will likely rest after making two consecutive starts, it will be interesting to see if Olsen gives minutes to any of his other returning starters: right-back Sean Franklin, defensive-midfielder Markus Halsti, and midfielder Michael Farfan.
Arabe Unido are the 2015 Clausura champions in the Panamanian Primera Division and are considered to be one of the top clubs in the country. This is also a side that has no trouble hosting and beating MLS competition; During the 2013-2014 CCL campaign they eliminated the Houston Dynamo.
In terms of what they bring to the pitch Unido possesses a high-scoring attack that can hit a defense with multiple options. Against fellow CCL opponent Montego Bay United F.C. last week the team affectionately known as the Blue Express put three into the back of the net and placed themselves at the top of Group H.
The key for question for United’s defense is if they can keep up with Unido’s speed on the attack. Against Montego Bay midfielder Jose Gonzalez and Enrico Small tore apart the defense by making simple delayed runs into the box. With United likely playing an experimental back four and having Andrew Dykstra start in goal communication may be an issue.
Up top United will look towards Jairo Arrieta to provide some attacking spark. United’s second leading goal-scorer has seen his minutes cut in recent weeks with the addition of Alvaro Saborio to Olsen’s 4-4-2 formation. But with Fabian Espindola out until the end of the month with a knee issue this match could be the perfect time to show his value to the squad.
Arrieta and the United attack should have their opportunities. Despite allowing just two goals in the Panamanian First Division this season, Unido’s back four looked extremely shaky against Montego Bay. Their back four made several simple errors on clearances and were only able to keep their shutout through the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd. United is perhaps one of the best teams in MLS in terms of capitalizing on the follies of their opponents in the attacking third. Look for Arrieta to apply consistent pressure on Unido’s defense on Wednesday night.
While United might not play their best eleven on Wednesday night their depth will be given a chance to prove their mettle. Meanwhile for Unido another victory at home puts them firmly in position to advance to the knockout round and may force D.C. to press in later matches. Although this game is certainly not a ‘must-win’ for D.C. any points would alleviate the pressure of having to win CCL and MLS matches in September.
CONCACAF Champions League
DC United
