Hernan Losada s D C United tenure begins with win washingtontimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from washingtontimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
D.C. United is looking to start the Hernán Losada era off with a win today as they kick off the 2021 MLS season against NYCFC. After an offseason full of changes to the coaching staff, front office, and roster, United is hoping to prove that they’re a more formidable side than they’ve been in the last couple of seasons.
The first step on that path sees New York City FC come to the District. The Pigeons have been one of the most consistently successful teams in the Eastern Conference, and though there are signs that they may be in slight decline this year, they still have some elite MLS players and promising youngsters driving them forward.
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The 26th season of Major League Soccer kicks off on Friday as Houston Dynamo host San Jose at BBVA Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+) and after a wild season in 2020, it s a clean slate and a reset in 2021 with a full schedule, another new team (welcome, Austin FC) and plenty of iconic players and teams with a lot to prove. And so, a little over four months since Columbus Crew SC thumped Seattle Sounders to win MLS Cup, we re back and ready for a fun season.
MLS Fantasy has returned! blackandredunited.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from blackandredunited.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Xavi Dussaq / Courtesy of D.C. United
D.C. United came out on the wrong end of a combative preseason match with NYCFC, falling to a 2-1 defeat. With the two sides playing at the Philadelphia Union’s training facility, a lone goal from rookie Kimarni Smith was sandwiched by tallies from Valentin Castellanos and Andres Jasson for City. Castellanos and United’s Junior Moreno were both sent off just before halftime in a game that had plenty of tough tackles throughout.
After accounting for several injuries, Hernán Losada sent out something close to his best available lineup. Rookie Kimarni Smith got to start up front as a striker rather than out on the flank in a 3421, with Edison Flores and Yamil Asad supporting him from dual attacking midfield roles.