Deadspin | D.C. United take on Galaxy in first match under interim coach

[ad_1] Jul 9, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; D.C. United ahead Christian Benteke (20) celebrates scoring with teammates towards the Nashville SC in the course of the first half at GEODIS Park. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures Troy Lesesne paid the worth for D.C. United's lackluster season and academy director Kevin Flanagan will function interim coach when the Black-and-Purple face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday evening in Carson, Calif.

Lesesne was fired Thursday, at some point after D.C. United misplaced 5-2 to Nashville SC to be eradicated from the U.S. Open Cup. Stories recommend Rene Weiler, the sporting director for Swiss facet Servette FC, is in line to take over the teaching duties.

"Outcomes haven't been acceptable," D.C. United chief soccer officer Ally Mackay instructed reporters on Friday. "For us, it is actually taking stock of what we're doing."

D.C. United (4-10-7, 19 factors) are in twelfth place within the East and attempting to snap a five-season playoff drought. Lesesne was 14-24-17 in MLS play over 1 1/2 seasons.

D.C. United have been outscored 39-17 and are tied for final within the MLS with a minus-22 purpose differential. CF Montreal have additionally allowed 22 extra objectives then they've scored.

Christian Benteke is rounding again into kind after an ankle damage that led him to overlook six MLS regular-season matches. He was the MLS chief with 23 objectives final season. He has six in 14 matches this season.

D.C. United performed a scoreless draw towards Atlanta United of their final MLS match on July 5.

Los Angeles (2-13-6, 12 factors) has recovered from the worst begin in MLS historical past (0-12-4) to earn factors in 4 of its previous 5 matches (2-1-2). Nonetheless, the Galaxy are nonetheless in final place within the 15-team Western Convention.

The Galaxy performed maybe their greatest match of the season with a 3-0 victory over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps on July 4.

Joseph Paintsil scored twice after getting into with only one purpose. That was a lovely sight for the Galaxy, as Paintsil had 10 objectives and 10 assists final season after they had been MLS champions.

"I feel with anyone, whether or not it is a goal-scorer or shooter in basketball, with anyone, as soon as you discover your rhythm, and also you get the boldness and also you get that circulation, you hope issues begin to drop for you," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney instructed reporters. "I really feel like with Joe, I really feel like (July 4) was evening, and we'll see if we are able to begin to construct some momentum with him. It is a good factor for him for certain."