D.C. United Aims for Victory Against NYCFC Despite Key Injury
Short-handed D.C. United will seek to build on last weekend’s dramatic home win this Sunday when they travel to face New York City FC, who are looking to gain momentum from a recent U.S. Open Cup victory over their local rivals.
After a lackluster start, D.C. (3-4-3, 12 points) has found its stride, scoring seven goals in its last two matches.
In a thrilling 4-4 draw against the New York Red Bulls on April 22, Tai Baribo netted a hat trick, marking his fourth, fifth, and sixth league goals. Following that, Louis Munteanu scored his first goal for the club in the 84th minute, while Kye Rowles capped off the match with a winner in the 90th minute for a 3-2 home victory against Orlando.
However, Baribo will sit out a second consecutive match due to an injury, as confirmed by manager Rene Weiler this week. Additionally, Brazilian attacker Gabriel Pirani, who was considered a potential replacement, has fallen out of favor, according to Weiler. “He’s playing for himself instead of the team, and I dislike it,” Weiler stated. “And I can’t see the joy in his face in the identification of our club. So he will not be in the team.”
The win against Orlando ended a five-match winless streak for D.C. in its first full season under Weiler. Now they face an NYCFC squad struggling through a six-match MLS losing streak, with their last league victory occurring on March 14 against Colorado.
Despite their recent league struggles, Pascal Jansen’s team secured a comfortable 3-1 victory against the Red Bulls in the Round of 16 of the Open Cup on Wednesday. Raul Gustavo scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute, and Thiago Martins provided additional security with a goal in the 57th minute.
Nicolas Fernandez Mercau currently leads NYCFC (3-4-3, 12 points) with eight league goals, which includes two scored in a 4-4 draw at home against FC Cincinnati on April 22.
Given the circumstances, Jansen feels encouraged by Baribo’s absence. “Obviously a massive piece for them. An important player,” Jansen commented. “We’re coming out of a good game against Red Bull, and now the focus is on D.C., and they’re missing one of their key players. That’s tough for them, but good news for us.”
The two teams have split their last four head-to-head encounters, including two draws.