Aug 9, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; D.C. United forward
Dominique Badji (23) kicks the ball against Mazatlan defender Willian Vargas (27) during the second half in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Two clubs looking for a late postseason push meet on Saturday when FC Dallas visit D.C. United in Washington.
Dallas (8-11-6, 30 points) and D.C. (6-11-8, 26 points) are each below the playoff line in their respective conferences as the MLS regular season resumes after the Leagues Cup break. Prior to the hiatus, however, both teams seemed to be rounding into form.
Dallas was 2-0-1 in its last three MLS matches before being eliminated in the group stage of the Leagues Cup. The Toros now return to action with a much healthier squad, plus some new faces acquired during the transfer window.
“It was hard for us to play in three competitions with so many injuries. … Now we can tell that the roster is more complete, to be honest,” Dallas interim coach Peter Luccin said.
Designated players Alan Velasco and Jesus Ferreira are among the names who could be available Saturday. Velasco is nearing his first action since tearing his left ACL during last season’s MLS Cup playoffs, while Ferreira has missed two months due to a leg injury.
D.C. United’s lineup has also been bolstered by better health and some reinforcements. David Schnegg, Dominique Badji and Boris Enow all made their D.C. debuts during the Leagues Cup after being acquired in the transfer window period.
An ugly 0-8-3 stretch threatened to ruin D.C. United’s season, but the club has bounced back from that winless drought. D.C. won its last two regular-season matches prior to the break, then won its League Cup group before losing to Mazatlan in the first knockout round.
“We really did what we wanted to,” D.C. coach Troy Lesesne said. “To be able to sustain that momentum and say, ‘OK, we’re going to come out of that competition and really try to focus on the final nine (regular-season) matches, making the most of what’s left of 2024.'”
D.C. United are 4-6-3 at home this season, while the Toros are 0-8-4 on the road. FC Dallas and St. Louis City (0-6-6) are the only MLS teams who have yet to record an away victory.
–Field Level Media
