Troy Lesesne believes D.C. United’s confidence is as excessive because it has been all season forward of their essential Choice-Day assembly with Charlotte FC.
D.C. want some extent to clinch a playoff place for the primary time since 2019, which might finish their joint-longest playoff drought (additionally 4 years between 2008 and 2011).
They’re in competition with CF Montreal and the Philadelphia Union, with two wild-card spots nonetheless to be selected the ultimate matchday within the Japanese Convention, after recording back-to-back victories over Nashville SC (4-3) and the New England Revolution (2-1).
“When challenges come – and we’ve had many this yr – it’s straightforward for us to make use of these as excuses and pack it up,” Lesesne informed reporters.
“However our group has by no means performed that, simply take a look at all of the issues we’ve gone by way of this yr, the psychological endurance that these guys have exhibited to be on this place…
“You study a lot about your self and your gamers and I’m actually happy with the group.
“You anticipated all alongside that it could go proper right down to the final sport, however the confidence of this crew proper now appears to be on the highest it has been all yr.”
Charlotte, however, have already confirmed their postseason spot, although a victory may see them transfer from sixth to fifth and enhance their playoff seeding.
“I do know this sport is extra for seeding than the rest, however the primary factor for us is to maintain this going,” ahead Patrick Agyemang mentioned.
“The primary factor is to simply proceed on the highway we’re on, which is optimistic outcomes. We wish the season to finish with a bang to place us in a very good place for the playoffs.”
Choice Day.
— D.C. United (@dcunited) October 14, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
D.C. United – Christian Benteke
Benteke has scored 23 targets this season, equalling Raul Diaz Arce (1996) for essentially the most in a single season in D.C.’s MLS historical past.
His 9 headed targets, in the meantime, are tied for the second-most in a single yr by any participant since Opta started detailed knowledge assortment of MLS in 2010, behind Josef Martinez’s 10 in 2018. Can he draw stage with the Venezuelan?
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang’s aim for Charlotte final Saturday, in a 2-0 win over Montreal, was his fifteenth aim contribution of the season (9 targets, six assists).
He’s one aim contribution shy of the single-season membership file of 16, achieved by Karol Swiderski in every of the crew’s first two MLS campaigns.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The house facet has not misplaced any of the 5 earlier conferences between D.C. and Charlotte, with D.C. recording a pair of 3-0 wins of their two residence matches in opposition to the Crown.
Charlotte, although, have misplaced solely 4 of their final 11 regular-season away matches relationship again to the start of Could (4 wins, three attracts).
D.C. United solely want some extent to qualify for the playoffs for the primary time since 2019, ending a four-year postseason drought, and with residence benefit on their facet, they need to get it.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
D.C. United – 37.1%
Charlotte FC – 36.6%
Draw – 26.3%
