The World Cup is only three weeks away, and focus will soon shift to the shores of Africa as the soccer's global sporting event begins. But back on the U.S. shores, D.C. United and MLS have a couple of more weeks to go before a two-week break in the schedule in June.
And they could not be more important for the ailing club. A 1-7 mark heading into Saturday's meeting with the Houston Dynamo -- a host that has been understandably cruel to United in the past -- isn't a favorable matchup to jump-start a poor campaign.
But therein lies the problem. At what point does United throw in the towel and label this a "rebuilding" year? D.C. hasn't had one of those in quite some time, and it would serve the club and its fans better to try and retool a rather shaky foundation, as opposed to continually attempt to patch up long-standing problems.
One of those pieces, Chris Pontius, is going to be available this weekend for the first time since injuring himself against Chicago on April 17. The hamstring injury that plagued him at U.S. men's national team camp in January has dissipated, but needs to be closely monitored as he returns to full fitness.
Whether that means he gets to play against Houston remains to be seen, though it's certain United have an even greater mountain to climb with each passing week. Houston will be slightly undermanned, with Brian Ching on international duty and Geoff Cameron gone for the season, Houston has had a fairly tumultuous year to date. Add to that Pat Onstad leaving for a friendly with Canada, and the inexperienced Tally Hall will be in goal for Houston.
There's a good chance that Curt Onalfo might tweak the starting lineup, with the Danny Allsopp-Adam Cristman pairing coming up empty the last two games. The duo work their tails off trying to score, though with Luciano Emilio an option, a possible shakeup could occur.
But what difference would it really make? Onalfo is limited in his choice of style and tactical approach because of the roster and injury problems, and it only seems like a matter of time before this sinking ship hits rock bottom -- if it hasn't already.
Look for Houston to pile on D.C. United's already miserable year.
Game Info
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST, Galavision
Injury Report:
D.C. United: OUT: Bryan Namoff (concussion); DF Marc Burch (foot surgery); GK Andrew Quinn (knee surgery); DF Dejan Jakovic (clavicle); MF Santino Quaranta (staph infection)...DOUBTFUL: None...QUESTIONABLE: FW Chris Pontius (hamstring)... PROBABLE: MF Andy Najar (ankle sprain); DF Jordan Graye (hamstring).
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