Match Preview: DCU vs RSL

Team News

For the 3rd game running, no new team news for DCU. This is great as it means Ben Olsen can put out a consistent lineup. From a backline point of view, this is awesome as so far there has not been a goal conceded in 180 minutes, and with a MOTM performance last week, Hamid will be pleased to see this. Up top is where, if anything, would change. Arriola has been consistent in his direct running and picking out key passes, I just worry for Rodriguez as he hasn’t had an impact as much, but game time will give him that. I think the lineup will stay the same as the previous two games however.

Key Stats

Both sides unbeaten in their 1st 2 games of the season, with RSL tieing with Houston Dynamo in the first match away and beating Vancouver Whitecaps last week.

In this exact fixture, there have been 10 games. DC winning 6, RSL once and 3 ties. Overall scoreline has been DCU 23-10 RSL. The biggest scoreline being back in 2015 when it was DC 6-4 RSL. RSL taking a 2 goal lead only for it to go to 4-2, then bringing it back to 4-4 and then conceding another 2. Hopefully it will be as good as that, but not maybe for the nerves.

Key Players

Well, since it’s hopefully going to be a consistent lineup, let’s look at RSL. It’s a farewell for former DCU keeper Nick Rimando as he is in his last season before retiring, so hopefully the DCU fans will give him a warm send off, just hope the players don’t do the same.

Baird will be looking to add to his assist that he got in the 1st game. And Rusnak will be looking to make it 3 games and 3 goals. Hopefully DCU will be able to mark them out of the game and nullify any potential goal scoring threats.

Lineup Prediction

Need I say any more

Scoreline Prediction

I think as long as DCU can keep the RSL attack out, I feel there will be a few goals in this tie. Hopefully Rooney can get his season underway and I feel Arriola & Acosta can get themselves a goal each too. I’m going for 3-0 for this.

Where to watch

This match is available through FreeSports this week. But as I can’t get that, I’ll be streaming through my Bet365 account as they show all the MLS matches, just without commentary or good high quality.