For weeks, D.C. United has engaged with opponents well above and below the MLS playoff line. On Saturday night, and probably again in the regular season finale late next month, United will clash with a foe in a similarly tight spot.
Entering the match at RFK Stadium, United and Orlando City are mirror images: 7-9-13 records, tied for seventh place, one point behind the New England Revolution, in a compact Eastern Conference that will send six teams to postseason. Both have been disappointing at home (11-7-11 combined) and, thanks to a torrent of draws, almost tolerable on the road (3-11-15).