Defense Rules for Both DC United and Atlanta 0-0

On Saturday both teams chose to play a disciplined style rooted in defense resulting in stifling pressure and few real threats to score. Such play may foreshadow how Coach Troy Lesesne will approach today’s Open Cup match against Nashville. Only one goal came from the two meetings between the cup squads in regular league play.

Lesesne emphasized, “When we played them at home, we didn’t give much away again. And I think that that’s very important for us to have that mentality on the road. And I think this group can absolutely get into the semifinals.” We should look forward to a defensive struggle.

Against Atlanta, United chose to stay compact by holding its forward restraint line near midfield in contrast to Atlanta’s more aggressive line, pressing from close to the penalty area and restricting United’s play from the back. The different approaches yielded more possession for Atlanta and more cohesion for DC. Lesesne observed, “You know, we wanted to stay really compact. We didn’t mind if they had the ball in certain areas, and then we wanted to create ball wins in the areas that we won the ball.”

Atlanta’s approach caused turnovers by DC to be closer to their own goal but had the virtue of defenders being more tightly packed to respond. In contrast, Atlanta left a bit more space for DC to counter. United often did so effectively up until time to finish where their frustration continued. “We just kind of let ourselves down in the final execution, but we’re going to keep at it. I think we can build off a clean sheet.”, an optimistic Lesesne noted.

A possible solution for DC has always been the aerial might of Christian Benteke who would field the long ball when building from the back was stifled as Atlanta chose on the night. Benteke was frequently ineffective, possibly due to Atlanta’s tall defenders but more likely due to his gradual return to match fitness. The coach was, “Happy to have him back. It’s so important for us to have him on the field. He’s such an element for us whenever we’re playing from deep in our own half and need to relieve a little bit of pressure.” Given his importance, Lesesne must hope for a continuing return to form as he may be needed for longer than the 72 minutes he played on Saturday.

Hosei Kijima brought some late energy to the game as did Jackson Hopkins and Dominique Badji who came on for the flagging Benteke. They should be relatively fresh for Wednesday’s game as should the players they replaced. Lesesne’s platooning may have been intended as much for freshness as for the game at hand.

Despite being 10 points out of playoff contention, DC United has one strong hope for some success this year in the Open Cup game. Captain Kye Rowles appreciates the strong effort and motivation of his teammates but expects more from them if they are to prevail, “I think everyone’s putting everything that they have into it, but it’s got to be more than that.”

That something extra will only come if an offensive spark is found. Benteke may be that spark, but the greater chances will come from more precise passes honoring creative movement which has gone unrewarded too often this season.