DC visits new expansion club Atlanta United this Sunday for the club's first match-up in history and DC United first expansion game of the season. The Black And Red last expansion side match-ups came two seasons ago (2015 season) against New York City FC and Orlando City SC, while this season features 3 meetings with Atlanta United and one road game with Minnesota United.
DC United previous meetings with expansion side Orlando City SC
In DC's last two seasons match ups against expansion clubs, the Black and Red met MLS additions New York City FC and Orlando City a total of 5 times in 2015 season, earning an aggregate record of 3-2 against the both sides.
DC United first expansion game of 2015 and first ever meeting with Orlando City came on April 3 in Citrus Bowl, where United picked up their second straight win and third victory in four games. A last-minute strike from Luis Silva in the 90+ minute led United to a 1-0 win over Orlando City SC. The Lions traveled to Washington DC for the first-time on 13 May 2015, and The Black and Red once more gained three-points against the expansion club, extending their unbeaten run to eight games. While Orlando City SC got the opener In the 10th minute, DC notched twice in the second half to snatch the winner from the Lions and propelled United to the summit of the Eastern Conference standings. The both teams final meeting of 2015 season ended in a 1-0 Lions home win.
United previous meetings with NYCFC
The Black and Red also shared points in their two 2015 clashes with NYCFC. DC head coach Ben Olsen's squad traveled to New York for the first-time on 13 August 2015 and were edged in a 3-1 road loss, ultimately snapping DC United three match win streaks. DC United rebounded when NYCFC made their debut at the RFK on 2 October 2015.
An early minute New York City FC goal instantly put the Black and Red against the wall, but the hosts persistent pressures ultimately paid-off with an equalizer in the 72nd minute and the match winning goal came-deep into the stoppage time. DC's first victory over New York City FC “officially qualified” Ben Olsen's tutored side for the Audi 2015 Major League Soccer Cup Play-offs.
What DC United should expect against expansion sides this season
Now, DC United prepare to travel to the Bobby Dodd Stadium to tackle Atlanta United (afterwards Minnesota United) for the first-time this Sunday. Atlanta United, led by Gerardo Martino, have apparently started their first season being solid, thanks to their swiftly and goal proficient attack. While Atlanta United's 3-2-2 mark is good enough for the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference table, Gerardo Martino's side boast the best-goal differential (+9) in the league and second most-goals (17 goals) in the league. On paper, Atlanta United seem unstoppable to play with at their home soil. Minnesota United, on the other-hand, struggled during the opening weeks but have recently gained strong form and has gone unbeaten in three of their last-four games.
The Loons twenty-four conceded goals give the Minneapolis side the “worst goals against” and goal differential figures in the league, but Minnesota have consistently improved and earned three points in each of their last-two home games.
The big question, will DC maintain their winning streaks against expansion sides this season?
DC United will once more look to string-together another “winning spell” against expansion clubs in their upcoming four clashes with Atlanta United and Minnesota United this season. Following Sunday's game, the Black and Red will host Atlanta United on 21st June and 23rd August, and afterwards will travel to Minneapolis to face Minnesota United on 29th July. Well, it will be anticipating to see how United take on this expansion sides this season.