D.C. United’s road form could not have been much worse last season, but it’s been an entirely different story so far in 2019 with three wins and a draw away from Audi Field. The Black-and-Red will look to continue that success and remain on top of the Eastern Conference when they take on Minnesota United at Allianz Field on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 PM ET and the match will be nationally televised on FS1.

Ben Olsen’s men are coming off their latest road triumph, a 1-0 win and the first win at MAPFRE Stadium since 2007 thanks to a Wayne Rooney free kick. Bill Hamid came up big when he had to with five saves and recorded his fifth shutout of the season. Donovan Pines has come on strong in recent weeks as one of the brightest Homegrown Players. He earned his second start and was pivotal as the three-man defense dealt with a staggering 44 crosses from the Crew.

Olsen knows the quick turnaround is tough on his squad but has faith they can get the job done and keep it rolling away from home.

“It’s a different challenge,” the head coach said on Thursday. “Again, short rest for the guys so a lot of taking care of our bodies right now and prepping for what’s going to be another very tough environment, but I think we’re up for it.”

D.C.’s injury problems at the outside back positions necessitated a switch to a three-man look, but it looks to be a viable option moving forward. Chris McCann (hamstring) Joseph Mora (jaw) continue to miss time, and with Russell Canouse recovering from a knee issue the midfield tandem of Junior Moreno and Chris Durkin should feature once again.

Meanwhile, Minnesota have no significant injury concerns and Francisco Calvo and Jan Gregus should return after missing action due to red card suspensions. Midfielder Kevin Molino saw the pitch against the Galaxy for the first time in thirteen months after suffering a serious knee injury early last year. 

The Loons find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference with 11 points through eight matches, and are hoping to come out on top for the first time in their new stadium. Darwin Quintero is the primary threat up with five goals scored, and he can certainly pick out a pass to tee up a teammate.

One, two, three and to the four...

...Darwin Quintero and Francisco Calvo are at the door pic.twitter.com/SY1afDQ1M6

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 3, 2019

D.C.’s attack has sputtered a bit in recent outings, but they have a great chance to rediscover their scoring form against a defense that has conceded multiple goals on five occasions. On the other side, a closer look at Minnesota’s attacking trends reveals just how much they travel down the right side of the field

The young series between these teams is tied at one win apiece. The Loons took the first meeting in 2017 by a 4-0 scoreline, while D.C. produced a 2-1 comeback victory at Audi Field in the lone encounter last season.

Predicted D.C. United XI (3-4-3): Bill Hamid; Steve Birnbaum, Donovan Pines, Frederic Brillant; Lucas Rodriguez; Junior Moreno, Chris Durkin, Leonardo Jara, Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola, Wayne Rooney