New York City Football Club take on D.C. United on Saturday.Â
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Jon Hoffman, co-host of the United 96 podcast.
Hi Jon, thanks for speaking with us. How long have you been covering D.C. United?
Hi Kris! I've been covering the team off and on for about a decade which feels insane and makes me feel 75 years old. But our podcast started in 2018, and we have been cooking (over 750 episodes) ever since.
What has been your highlight in that time?
Oh boy! It would be fair to say these years have not been glorious. If we had to pick a time, it was the all too short LuchaRoo run, with Lucho Acosta and somehow Wayne Rooney both starring for DCU.
How would you evaluate their 2023 season so far?
Woeful. Uninspired. Dead end. Times are not looking bright for DCU, losing their star player to allegations of racism for the second time, a coach asking to talk to his front office about his contract and being ignored, and a lack of young talent (aside from Ted Ku-Dipietro) establishing themselves as firm parts of the future.
What are your hopes for the team in 2024?
A new GM and a new vision for the club. Patience to create the roster to realize that vision. A defined style of play that fans can be proud of. A roster of guys who realize what this team once was and will push against the culture of accepting mediocrity that has crept in over the last decade.
What do you think will be the deciding factor in the game on Saturday?
As a dead rubber for DCU unless 500 conditional outcomes all go their way, I would expect this game to be NYCFC's to win if they so choose. The loss against Austin FC on the road was deflating for the side and their fans, and the once solid defence from earlier in the season has sprung many leaks. I predict a 2-0 NYC victory.
For any fans that might be in D.C. for the game on Saturday, are there any pregame spots you suggest they check out?
There aren't too many places close to the stadium, but if you do come to the game, the only food to get is the pupusas. It’s the best option in the stadium by miles – and a little RFK Refugees secret, make sure you put the green sauce on.
