D.C. United, FC Cincinnati settle for 0-0 stalemate

Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images A promising start fizzled out for D.C. United, who returned to MLS action only to be stymied in a 0-0 road draw against a defensive-minded FC Cincinnati. United hit a crossbar early, and Cincinnati hit the post late, but in truth there were few chances at either end at an empty Nippert Stadium.

Coming off of several weeks training without games, Ben Olsen opted for a major formation shift, moving away from the 433 and 4231 United had used in their prior games in favor of a 3412. Designated Player Edison Flores (still building up fitness after an injury) and regular starting left back Joseph Mora were among the players dropped, while 17-year-old academy…