Birnbaum is scheduled to travel to his first away match Saturday against Atlanta and remain on call in case D.C. United needs defensive reinforcement.
When D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum underwent knee surgery in early February — less than three weeks before the season opener — he figured to miss about four matches. Months passed, however, without the bearded center back, in the No. 15 black and red jersey he has worn since debuting 11 years ago, marshaling the back line.