Storylines to Watch:
The Red & Black are eager to build a new identity
For the past 22 years D.C. United (3-9-5) and RFK Stadium have been synonymous. RFK opened in 1961 as a football and baseball venue but over time became inextricably bound to American soccer and was the home of D.C. United for nearly 450 games since the team’s debut in 1996. This year the Red & Black have set aside their proud history to build a new identity in a brand new downtown stadium, Audi Field.
Saturday’s game marks Colorado’s first at Audi Field, and D.C.’s third. The Rapids, who had only won three times out of 21 meetings at RFK spanning back to their first encounter on September 21, 1996, will use this trip as an opportunity to write a new narrative in D.C.
Audi Field is not the only major change for the club this season – they also have a new training facility, a USL team and new star power in the form of Wayne Rooney. Despite currently sitting last in the Eastern Conference, D.C. believes they’re close to recapturing some of that vintage form with the addition of Rooney to a versatile young roster.
“We are finding an identity now, I think we’re doing well by that, but I still think there’s a lot to come from this team,” goalkeeper David Ousted said. “There’s more, both on the ball and off the ball, that we can do better. So that’s going to be a battle the whole season, always trying to get better.”
Player to Watch: Wayne Rooney
The obvious choice for player to watch this weekend? None other than former England and Manchester United captain, Wayne Rooney. The versatile attacker became one of the biggest names to join MLS in recent years when he signed a Designated Player contract with D.C. United on June 28, 2018. Since joining the team Rooney has made three appearances, including one start, and has contributed an assist.
Rooney has won trophies at the highest level and a legendary name in the history of the Premier League. In total, the Englishman scored 208 Premier League goals in 491 appearances and is the second all-time leading scorer behind Alan Shearer (260).
It won’t be long before the 32-year-old opens his MLS account. It would be in the Rapids’ best interest to keep an eye out for D.C.’s #9 on Saturday night.
D.C. United vs Colorado Rapids - Head-to-Head
The Rapids have met D.C. United 42 times in the MLS regular season, resulting in a 13-19-10 record. D.C. United is currently last place (11th) in the East with a 3-9-5 overall record. The Rapids, meanwhile, are coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium that sees their season record sit at 4-11-5 overall.
- Head-to-Head Overall: D.C. United 19 wins, 68 goals | Colorado Rapids 13 wins, 52 goals | 10 ties
- Head-to-Head in D.C.: D.C. United 12 wins, 43 goals | Colorado Rapids 3 wins, 19 goals | 6 ties
- Previous Meeting: Colorado Rapids 0, D.C. United 1 (August 19, 2017)
