Rene Weiler has successfully strengthened D.C. United’s defense, turning it from weak to strong early in the MLS season.
This Saturday in Washington, D.C. United will face the attacking team FC Dallas.
Last season, D.C. United allowed the most goals (66) in the Eastern Conference. However, this season, they have only given up four goals so far (2-2-1, 7 points).
Weiler became the manager in August last year and is known for his defensive strategies. After a full offseason to implement his plans, his players have adjusted well.
A significant offseason addition was veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who has made 16 saves.
“The team’s commitment and mentality help create a solid defense,” Johnson mentioned.
Now, Weiler aims to enhance the team’s offense, as D.C. has only scored four goals, three of which came from Tai Baribo.
“It’s easier to build a solid defense than to create effective attacking plays,” Weiler stated. “We need more players who can score. It’s the hardest part of the game.”
FC Dallas (2-1-2, 8 points) has a strong attack, featuring Petar Musa, who is second in the league with six goals, half of which were scored in a 3-3 draw with San Diego FC.
In their last game before the international break, Dallas won the Texas Derby against the Houston Dynamo 4-3, with Logan Farrington scoring two early goals and Musa netting the winner in the 86th minute.
“They are a well-organized team that is difficult to break down,” noted Dallas coach Eric Quill about D.C. United. “We need to be smart in how we attack and avoid giving them chances on the counter.”
This will be D.C. United’s first match at Audi Field since they opened the season with a 1-0 win against the Philadelphia Union.
“I believe we’ll have opportunities to score,” Weiler said. “They play directly in the opponent’s half, which is good because it minimizes danger near our goal.”