Preview: D.C. United vs. NYCFC 4/17/21
D.C. United embarks on an exciting new era when they take the pitch tonight at Audi Field. In front of a crowd of 25% capacity, it will be the Black and Red’s first game under new head coach Hernan Losada. Tonight’s opponent is New York City Football Club or NYCFC. This will be the first game with fans since March 7, 2020, just days before the sports world shutdown due to the pandemic.
D.C. United returned to action by competing in an MLS is Back tournament in Orlando before resuming the rest of the regular season without their loyal and passionate fans. They will look to build on their success towards the end of last season when they secured 10 points in their final six matches.
D.C. United will feature a mix of talent from young studs, to experienced, veteran athletes. They will celebrate their glorious past while embracing the future ahead. Leading up to this game, the Black and Red played in five preseason friendlies finishing with a 1-2-2 record. They began by training in North Carolina for a week before playing to a 1-1- draw with United Soccer League League One Greenville Triumph. Kimarni Smith scored the goal for United.
One week later, D.C. United won 5-1 against their minor league affiliate Loudoun United FC. They finished their preseason against three MLS clubs. They lost 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union, 2-1 against NYCFC, and a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls.
NYCFC was formed in 2015. They’ve played 12 times with United going 4-5-3. The last time they played at Audi Field was September 6, 2020 where both teams played to a scoreless draw behind five saves from Chris Seitz.
You can catch D.C. United and NYCFC tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington plus.
