D.C. United started Hernán Losada’s tenure off with a victory, battling their way past NYCFC via a 2-1 scoreline. After falling behind early, United got splendid goals from debutant Brendan Hines-Ike and midfielder Russell Canouse late in the first half to pick up the full three points.
With eight players listed as unavailable, Hernán Losada’s first-ever starting eleven featured only two surprises. Up front, with Ola Kamara left out despite not appearing on the pre-game injury list, Erik Sorga started up top. New signing Tony Alfaro, whose contract was just announced yesterday, was the bigger shock, as he was called in to replace another surprise injury, Donovan Pines.