How to Watch D.C. United Vs. Chicago Fire

How to watch D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Ever since the Hernan Losada era got off to a fantastic start with D.C. United's season-opening win against New York City FC, Losada's men have lost three straight games. 

While heavily depleted with injuries to the likes of Paul Arriola, Bill Hamid, Donovan Pines and Russell Canouse, the Black and Red are looking to bounce back in their first midweek game of the regular season. D.C. United's close but uninspired loss to New England preceded a couple poor defensive displays against San Jose and Columbus. 

Luckily for D.C. United, Chicago doesn't really have an attacker like Cade Cowell from the Earthquakes or Lucas Zelarayan from the Crew. Instead, the winless Fire have yet to put it all together after a huge rebuild last offseason. Though this past winter was more stable, Chicago has yet to replicate the success of their three wins from the preseason. 

Can Losada's squad show positive improvement and get a result over a struggling team? Here's how to watch. 

D.C. UNITED vs. CHICAGO FIRE HOW TO WATCH 

What: D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire

Where: Audi Field, Washington D.C. 

When: Thursday, April 13, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET

TV Channel: D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire will be broadcast on NBC Sports Washington (NBC Sports Channel Finder) and in Spanish on TeleXitos. In the Washington, D.C., region, TeleXitos can be found on over-the-air television (Ch. 44.2) and on Comcast Xfinity (Ch. 281), Cox (Ch. 808) and Verizon Fios (Ch. 493).

Live Stream: You can live stream D.C. United vs. Chicago on NBC Sports Washington's live stream page and on the NBC Sports App.

D.C. UNITED vs. CHICAGO FIRE: WHAT TO WATCH  

This year was always going to be tough for United, who with a new coach for the first time in over a decade is looking to find its identity. Losada has been trying to implement his high press, frenetic, and direct style of play without his squad being 100%. Losada said midweek he's noticed the parity around the league since arriving from Belgium and expects some of the league's better teams to show better form once they get healthier and closer to 100%, perhaps alluding to his very own team. 

Ola Kamara getting on the scoresheet on his season debut last time out against the Crew was crucial not only to that game, but for D.C.'s goal scoring chances moving forward. Kamara only played 15 minutes, but made an instant impact. He is the team's best striker and upon his return from injury netted a goal to give United hope by cutting their deficit to 2-1 with eight minutes left. Unfortunately, the Crew scored again to seal it. Still, getting Kamara to be a confident presence in front of goal will be important if Losada's squad is to stop this three-game skid. 

Hamid's eventual return will be significant for Losada's side, as he frequently helped bail out a porous defense last season. D.C. United finished 2020 having the second-most goals scored against them with 41. Thought some of the goals D.C. has allowed can't be blamed on backup keeper Chris Seitz, Hamid's shot-stopping skills are vital to a team without a potent attack (only scored 25 goals in 23 games). After missing last match, hopefully Brendan Hines-Ike is good to go Thursday. 

D.C. UNITED vs. CHICAGO FIRE: PLAYERS TO WATCH  

Edison Flores, Forward, D.C. United (0 goals, 3 assists in 13 appearances in 2020): The Black and Red's No. 10 is still searching for his first goal since arriving in January 2020 as the club's second designated player. Flores is a creative dribbler and chance maker, so look for him to get creative when trying to create opportunities for Kamara, himself, or another attacker to score. 

Robert Beric, ST, Chicago Fire (12 goals, 1 assist in 23 appearances in 2020): After coming second in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals in his debut season with the Fire, Beric hasn't found his stride yet with just one goal in 2021. Hopefully for D.C. he doesn't bring his shooting boots. 

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