Christian Hernandez denied Everton a draw in Philadelphia but as we all know the results are somewhat unimportant at this stage of the season. The Blues arrived in Washington D.C. on Thursday, in time for lunch with the President (not really).
The Club
Founded in 1995, the Black-and-Red are the MLS' most successful side. Since their inception they have been crowned MLS champions four times, including in the league's inaugural season.
In 1998, with a firmly established reputation as the best side in America, they added the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the Copa Interamericana to their list of honours, although these successes are widely thought to have cost them their influential manager, Bruce Arena, who took on the role of US national team manager.
A further two MLS Cups followed, although the trophy cabinet hasn't been added to since the last triumph back in 2004. Since then, D.C.'s fortunes have began to wane, with the demise culminating in a last-placed finish last season. They currently sit 6th in the MLS Eastern Conference.
The Gaffer
Ben Olsen joined D.C. United as a player straight after leaving college in 1998 and, but for a 20-game loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2000/01, he spent his whole career at the RFK Stadium. He retired from playing duties in 2009, and took over the management helm just over a year later.
A former US international who earned 37 caps, Olsen is widely regarded as a key figure in MLS history.
The Players
After a car crash in late 2009 left him with multiple injuries, it was feared that Charlie Davies would never play again. However, after a year and a half of rehab, he returned to action in March of this year. On loan from Sochaux, Davies is D.C.'s top scorer so far this season with 8 goals to his name.
Everton will also have to watch out for Canadian (eh) international forward Dwayne de Rosario, who jointly holds the record for the most inclusions in the MLS best XI (5).
Links between the clubs
1) Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen appeared almost 100 times for the Red-and Black. After moving to England, Nelsen made his 175th appearance for Blackburn in the 3-2 defeat to Everton at Ewood Park in April 2010.
2) Brian McBride, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Everton in 2003, later returned to the MLS with his hometown team, Chicago Fire. He made his debut as a second half substitute against D.C. United.
StickyToffee Prediction: D.C. United 1-2 Everton
In Philadelphia Union, Everton played what many believe to be the MLS' strongest outfit. With the added match fitness, and against a weaker opponent, I'm going to plump for an Everton win to round off the US tour. Goals from Vellios and Barkley.
No comments:
Post a Comment