DC United vs. Philadelphia Union | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Shield-chasing Union meet struggling DC at Audi Field

DC-PHI Week 18

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 18
D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union
Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
October 14 – 8:00 PM ET


STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; on DAZN in Canada


LOCAL TV: WJLA 24/7 News, PHL17


D.C. United are hoping to snap a five-match losing streak when they take on a Philadelphia Union side coming off consecutive wins when the Eastern Conference foes square off at Audi Field Wednesday night


D.C. United (2W-10L-5D) are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Chicago Fire FC in Chad Ashton's first game as interim manager, while the Union (10W-3L-4D) defeated the Montreal Impact 2-1 at home Sunday. 


This is the second meeting this season with the Union cruising to a 4-1 victory at Subaru Park August 29. Kacper Przybylko struck for an early brace and Sergio Santos made it 3-0 inside the opening half hour for Philadelphia. 


D.C. United


After conceding early, and late, in the first half, an own goal by Jonathan Bornstein provided a spark for D.C. United, but Ola Kamara missed a chance at an equalizer as the squad's winless run extended to eight with their fifth straight defeat. 


You know you have to start and end halves, and winning teams do that well and teams that are struggling don’t do that well,” Ashton said after the match. “There’s just no moral victories in this. You’ve got to find a way to get results.”

DC United vs. Philadelphia Union | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Paul Arriola (M) - ACL injury
    • OUT: Mohammed Abu (M) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Ulises Segura (M) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Felipe (M) - ACL injury
    • OUT: Steve Birnbaum (D) - undisclosed injury
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: Frederic Brillant (D), Russell Canouse (D)
  • International duty: None


Philadelphia Union


In just his second start of 2020, the ageless Ilsinho set up goals by Jamiro Monteiro and Sergio Santos 10 minutes apart on either side of halftime to lead the Union to a 2-1 win over the Impact at Subaru Park Sunday. Philadelphia remain in striking distance of Toronto FC, trailing the Supporters' Shield leaders by just three points. 


"This part of the year, where everyone is missing players with international duty, with injuries, it's about grinding out results and our group did that," Jim Curtain said after the match. "I thought on the night Mark McKenzie was unbelievable again. He just doesn't seem to get beat. 

DC United vs. Philadelphia Union | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Ray Gaddis (D) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Jakob Glesnes (D) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: arren Creavalle (M) - undisclosed injury
    • QUESTIONABLE: Ilsinho (M) - undisclosed injury
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: Alejandro Bedoya (M)
  • International duty:  Jose Martinez (M)


Series Matchup at D.C. United


  • D.C. United: 5 wins, 19 goals
  • Union: 4 wins, 24 goals
  • 4 draws


Officials


  • Referee: Marcos de Oliveira
  • Assistant Referees: Corey Parker, CJ Morgantew
  • 4th Official: Luis Arroyo
  • VAR: Alan Kelly