In the recent past, D.C. United started each season with hope, but not necessarily with truly high expectations. That, more than anything else, is what has changed this winter, and this evening the Black-and-Red get a chance to prove they can meet those lofty expectations by defeating Atlanta United, the 2018 MLS Cup champions, in the league opener for both clubs. If D.C. has championship aspirations, there’s no better way to get started than by knocking off the team that has the hardware.
It has to be Acosta, who has tormented Atlanta throughout the Georgia-based club’s existence.