On Saturday evening, D.C. United wrapped up their preseason training by falling flat against the Montreal Impact, a 3-0 loss that was unexpected. On Tuesday, both Wayne Rooney and Ben Olsen said that the result might have come at a good time, a way of waking up and ensuring United is mentally prepared for the start of the MLS season this Sunday. Because when the 2019 campaign does commence for the Black-and-Red, opposite of them will be the defending MLS Champions, Atlanta United.
The Five Stripes feature a new coach in Frank de Boer, who replaced the Tata Martino in the offseason.