Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
D.C. United is looking to start the Hernán Losada era off with a win today as they kick off the 2021 MLS season against NYCFC. After an offseason full of changes to the coaching staff, front office, and roster, United is hoping to prove that they’re a more formidable side than they’ve been in the last couple of seasons.
The first step on that path sees New York City FC come to the District. The Pigeons have been one of the most consistently successful teams in the Eastern Conference, and though there are signs that they may be in slight decline this year, they still have some elite MLS players and promising youngsters driving them forward.
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The 26th season of Major League Soccer kicks off on Friday as Houston Dynamo host San Jose at BBVA Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+) and after a wild season in 2020, it s a clean slate and a reset in 2021 with a full schedule, another new team (welcome, Austin FC) and plenty of iconic players and teams with a lot to prove. And so, a little over four months since Columbus Crew SC thumped Seattle Sounders to win MLS Cup, we re back and ready for a fun season.
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Hi there, I’m filling in for Donald who is having a lobster roll somewhere in the Northeast for me, or so I’d like to think.
Xavi Dussaq / Courtesy of D.C. United
D.C. United came out on the wrong end of a combative preseason match with NYCFC, falling to a 2-1 defeat. With the two sides playing at the Philadelphia Union’s training facility, a lone goal from rookie Kimarni Smith was sandwiched by tallies from Valentin Castellanos and Andres Jasson for City. Castellanos and United’s Junior Moreno were both sent off just before halftime in a game that had plenty of tough tackles throughout.
After accounting for several injuries, Hernán Losada sent out something close to his best available lineup. Rookie Kimarni Smith got to start up front as a striker rather than out on the flank in a 3421, with Edison Flores and Yamil Asad supporting him from dual attacking midfield roles.
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
D.C. United announced their initial preseason roster for the 2021 season, with this morning marking the official start of training camp for most MLS teams.
United has 26 players under contract at the moment, 25 of whom are in camp (Paul Arriola remains on loan with Swansea City until sometime in May). The club has also invited ex-United players Andy Najar and Rodney Wallace to camp on trial, while 2021 second round pick Logan Panchot is with United as they weigh whether to offer him an MLS deal or start him out with Loudoun United at the USL Championship level. In an interview today with reporters, Loudoun head coach Ryan Martin added that D.C. may end up calling some Loudoun players into camp depending on team needs.