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DC United vs. Philadelphia Union: Preview and How To Watch

By John Jankosky

Mar 18, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen claps against the Columbus Crew during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen claps against the Columbus Crew during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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This Saturday, DC United hosts Philadelphia Union at RFK stadium in its 4th game of the season. We preview the game, including details on how to watch.

DC United and Philadelphia Union both finished 2016 with respectable seasons and the belief that they’d enter 2017 with conference contending teams. However, three games into the season, DC United finds itself at the bottom of the conference table with Philadelphia one spot above it. Both teams enter this game with the need for a victory and players who should be able to step up and provide the spark needed for a win for their team.

Who to watch from DC United

DC United is going to be without its star striker in Patrick Mullins, but is not toothless with backup striker Jose Ortiz, an international player for Costa Rica. Ortiz has brought urgency and pace to DC’s attack in his limited minutes and his likely first start for DC United should be an exciting one. Supported by attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta and holding midfielder (and home grown player) Ian Harkes, this is a game where a lot of the action may happen in the middle of the field, rather than the wings which DC is known for.

Mar 18, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Ian Harkes (23) controls the ball against the Columbus Crew during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Ian Harkes (23) controls the ball against the Columbus Crew during the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Who to watch from Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia’s star USMNT player Alejandro Bedoya has brought a calming presence to its midfield since he arrived, but has yet to bring an electric spark. After a less than stellar USMNT performance over the international break, he is poised to likely work towards a statement game, assuming his body is recovered from international camp. Goalkeeper Andre Blake has been turning heads since he was drafted and is likely to be faced with a barrage of shots in DC’s stadium. Fafa Picault is an exciting USMNT fringe player to watch as well, who hasn’t yet made headlines in MLS, but may do well to test himself against recently converted RB Nick DeLeon.

Prediction

Both teams are desperate for points, but DC United may be feeling a little more pressure playing at home. Losing Mullins is unfortunate, but not the end of the world as Ortiz appears more than capable. With home field advantage, I’d give advantage to DC United, 1-0.

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Where to watch

Kickoff: 7pm EST

You can catch the match in the DC area on ABC7 and NewsChannel8. In the Philadelphia area, you can watch the game on CSN, channel 19 for Comcast customers and channel 76 for fios customers. As always you can see every league game via MLS LIVE.

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