It seemed that DC United was destined to go the entire month of August without a single win. Then, in the 11th hour (or really, the last day of the month), a 57th-minute Steve Birnbaum goal against New York City FC propelled the Red and Blacks to a 2-1 win, giving at least their unfortunate month. a silver lining.
Since earning the win over NYCFC, DC United drew 0-0 against Colorado on Sunday and now has just five games left in its 2022 campaign. They won’t make the playoffs; in fact, they have the worst record in MLS and right now they have their sights set on next season. But first, a home matchup against Real Salt Lake awaits them on Saturday.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the game on NBC Sports Washington.
DC United vs Real Salt Lake How to Watch
What: D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake
Where: Audi Field, Washington D.C.
When: Saturday, September 10, 9:30 p.m. ET
Television channel: D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake will air on NBC Sports Washington (NBC Sports Channel Finder) and broadcast in Spanish on Telexitos.
Live broadcast: You can live stream DC United vs. Real Salt Lake on the NBC Sports Washington live stream page and the NBC Sports app.
DC United Vs. Royal Salt Lake
9:00 pm: Before the DC United game
9:30 PM: DC United vs. Real Salt Lake (LIVE)
D.C. United vs. Royal Salt Lake: what to see
It appears that, over the last 180 minutes of playing time, DC United have figured out, at least temporarily, a way to stop their poor defensive efforts on the field. Before the win over NYCFC, the Screaming Eagles had been outscored 11-2 in their previous four games. However, they have righted the ship of late, allowing only one goal in their last two games. Can they continue the streak on Saturday against Salt Lake?
It is an interesting question. Real Salt Lake, believe it or not, is one of only three MLS teams with even goal difference: 38 goals scored, 38 goals allowed. They sit sixth in the Western Conference, and with just six games left on their own regular-season roster, Real Salt Lake has far more value in Saturday’s outcome than its opponent.
D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake Players to Watch
Sofiane Djeffal, Midfielder, DC United (0 goals, 0 assists in 24 appearances): Defense will be the name of the game for DC United on Saturday if they want to walk out of the Audi camp with a win. Enter Sofiane Djeffal. The defensive midfielder leads the team with 23 tackles on the season and could be the key to blocking Real Salt Lake’s skillful attack.
Sergio Cordova, Forward, Real Salt Lake (8 goals, 2 assists in 28 appearances): Córdoba is RSL’s best attacker and leads the team with eight goals on the campaign. Before laying chicken eggs against LAFC on Sunday, Cordova recorded at least one goal or one assist in four of his previous five appearances.
