D.C. United v Charlotte FC: Ream wary of opposing threat after Montreal ‘wake-up call’

Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream admitted their defeat against CF Montreal last time out was a “wake-up call” as they prepare to face D.C. United.

Although Dean Smith’s side took the lead through Wilfried Zaha, Adilson Malanda’s red card saw their last game turn on its head as Montreal ran out 4-1 victors.

The defeat saw Charlotte miss the opportunity to move up to third in the Eastern Conference, but they have the perfect chance to bounce back against bottom side D.C.

However, Ream insisted they must not underestimate that challenge ahead following their last loss.

“Anytime you go on the road, it is difficult in this league,” said Ream.

“We have to make sure we are focused from the very beginning so that we make sure we are ready to go from the first whistle.

“Any team in this league can beat any team, as seen throughout the history of this league. That is something we have to be aware of.

“The Montreal game, okay we were down to 10 men, but it was a little bit of a wake-up call that even teams near the bottom can do some damage and that’s something we have to be fully aware of.”

D.C.’s struggles continued in their last match after they were thrashed 6-0 by the Eastern Conference leaders, the Philadelphia Union.

They have won just once since May 31, beating New York City at the end of August, winning just 25 points from 32 MLS games this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D.C. United – Christian Benteke

Benteke won six aerial duels against Philadelphia, bringing his season total to 145 aerial duels won.

The only other MLS player with even 100 or more aerial duels won this season in league play is Bruno Damiani (105).

Charlotte FC – Kristijan Kahlina

Kahlina recorded five saves against Montreal last time out to bring his season total to 117 saves.

That is the most by any goalkeeper in the league this season and tied for the most in a season in Kahlina’s MLS career (117 last term).

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Charlotte are unbeaten in their last four league meetings (W3 D1) with D.C., allowing just one goal across those matches. D.C. have only scored in three of the seven all-time regular-season meetings.

D.C. were shut out for the 12th time this regular season in their 6-0 loss to the Union. That is the most times a team has been held goalless in MLS this year.

However, Charlotte have conceded multiple goals in consecutive games after conceding just once in their previous six matches combined across all competitions.

Since the beginning of May, Charlotte have conceded two or more goals in each of their 11 losses (all comps).

In their last six league matches, D.C. have won one, drawn three and lost two. Charlotte, meanwhile, have won four and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 24.7%

Draw – 23.0%

Charlotte FC – 52.3%