D.C. United is feeling the pressure. But rather than crumble against Orlando City SC, the Black-and-Red drew on mental strength and grit to win, 5-3.
Head coach Chad Ashton emphasized in Saturday’s pre-match press conference the importance of pushing Orlando into defense and being decisive on the ball. Ashton and his coaching staff provided the substance - in the form of three designated players in the starting XI attack - for D.C. United to execute on their tactical ask. A shored-up five-man backline bolstered Rafael Romo’s position, keeping the Black-and-Red tight in defense.
By the 5’, Taxi Fountas had delivered D.