With Sporting KC hosting D.C. United in one of the marquee MLS matches of the weekend, I caught up with Washington Post writer Steven Goff, who will call tonight's match. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT tonight with live coverage available on 38 The Spot (KMCI), SKCTV, and online via MLSsoccer.com's Stream of the Week.
Jonathon Feyerherm: What’s been the key to D.C. United’s success this season?
Steven Goff: United overhauled the roster during the offseason and acquired several MLS-proven players. Their leadership and experience has stabilized the squad and brought balance to the lineup. The continued maturity of Bill Hamid and Perry Kitchen has also been vital to the campaign.
JF: Fabian Espindola leads the team in goals and assists (8 each). How do you see him matching up against the Sporting KC back line (especially Besler/Collin)?
SG: Espindola has returned from a two-month injury layoff with the same vigor and menace. In their few partnerships, he and Luis Silva have been very effective in creating and finishing opportunities. It’s a good test for the DCU duo and a good test for Besler and Collin.
JF: D.C. United will be without Eddie Johnson for miss Saturday’s match because of suspension. How will his absence affect D.C. United’s attack?
SG: Johnson has labored much of the season, and with Espindola and Silva performing well together, United will not miss EJ as much as it might appear.
JF: Like Sporting KC, D.C. United are coming off a midweek CONCACAF Champions League match. How is the team handling the busy schedule and were any players rested ahead of this match?
SG: Olsen used 10 reserves and EJ in the Champions League match against Waterhouse of Jamaica. Kemp and Silva came on late. Otherwise, all the regulars got the night off, leaving them refreshed for the showdown with Kansas City. With a visit to Los Angeles coming Wednesday, Olsen will have to continue managing minutes carefully.
JF: What are you expecting to see from Saturday’s match?
SG: United has never won at Sporting Park and hasn’t won in Kansas City – Missouri or Kansas -- in seven years, so Sporting has to be favored. These are the two best defensive units in MLS, so I would expect a low-scoring affair. If DCU gets out with a point, they will be very happy.
