D.C. United heads to the west coast for the only time during the 2021 regular season, as they face the San Jose Earthquakes in what may be the latest kickoff of a game in team history. It’s also a game that could be dramatic: United’s pressure and willingness to create physical duels will be met by Matias Almeyda’s notorious man-marking system in a game that has all the signs of being a battle.
Throw in some traditional #MLSAfterDark vibes, and we might be in for a deeply weird match tonight.
Key player: Julian Gressel
United has struggled to create that many chances, but Gressel is one player they have been able to get into dangerous spots.