New York City FC clearly have been going in the right direction in recent weeks.
DC United’s success hasn’t been as extensive, but perhaps a rally in their last game will have them pointing upward as well.
The teams meet Wednesday night in Washington.
NYCFC (5-3-2, 17 points) have a five-game unbeaten string (4-0-1) in MLS play. The most recent result was a 2-0 blanking of visiting Columbus.
“We have talked about putting together a streak with good results and making it so our lowest level is so high that we get something from every game and I think we do that now,” NYCFC coach Ronny Deila said. “I think we attack better now than we have done with more width in the game, more real wingers, I feel there’s a lot of development in this team.”
New York has racked up 16 goals in its past four MLS wins.
DC United (5-4-1, 13 points) have gone 2-1-1 in MLS play under interim coach Chad Ashton. That included a comeback from a two-goal deficit for a 2-2 draw Saturday at Inter Miami.
“I loved how we continued to push,” Ashton said. “I loved our mentality. I loved the guys’ positivity with each other. They stayed in a good place the entire time.”
Taxi Fountas has registered five goals in the past four games for DC United.
New York announced Monday the signing of defender Maxime Chanot to a new three-year contract. He has been with the club since 2016, making him the longest-serving player on the roster.
“What we have achieved together last season has made all the years of hard work and sacrifice worth it,” Chanot, 32, said. “I look forward to the challenge of building on our recent success, while having the opportunity to help the younger generation of NYCFC talent to fulfill their dreams.”
With this next game coming midweek after weekend outings, substitutes could be vital for both teams.
“It’s great to see the job the subs (have done) when they come into the game,” Ashton said.
DC United midfielder Russell Canouse, who recorded his first assist of the season Saturday, will appear in his 100th MLS regular-season game if he’s in the lineup.
–Field Level Media