D.C. United: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #3: That Nick De Leon can continue his career renaissance as a right-back.

Some people grow playoff beards. Nick DeLeon cuts all of his hair. Although it might be the antithesis of the scruffy-haired sports players that we have grown accustomed to in recent years DeLeon’s hairstyle change has worked off.

To top it off he did it in a brand new position: right back. With Sean Franklin out due to a calf injury Olsen tossed DeLeon into the right back role. After having had mixed results in another new position this season in center mid it was a surprise for many to see DeLeon do well in such a different spot. That might sound like a knock against DeLeon but given that he has had so many stops and starts to who his career there is some skepticism that his developed around him. But he has proven the doubters wrong, helping United’s back four in allowing just 47 goals.

Against Montreal look for DeLeon to be tasked with containing Harry Shipp. Shipp has given United problems in recent seasons with his runs down the left flank and crosses inward. DeLeon has shown that he can tightly mark his target and narrow their crossing window. If he can do that against the Impact it will help United’s chances at winning.