With a busy upcoming two months, D.C. United's depth in their squad was about to get tested. Fielding the same lineup game after game for a stretch of 13 games in 57 days didn't seem feasible, but that test came a bit earlier than expected after Joseph Mora left Sunday's game against Orlando City with a fractured jaw and concussion. 

Fortunately for United, they had a guy who they felt more than comfortable with in that tight spot — up a goal, on the road, at a tough place to play. Chris McCann was brought in at the end of the offseason, and even though it was his team debut, the veteran utility player had enough experience to help him navigate the tough situation.

Subbing in for an injured teammate was not how McCann envisioned making his first appearance for the Black-and-Red, but the former Atlanta United man was happy to get back on the field for the first time since winning the MLS Cup trophy with his former team last December.

"It's unfortunate on Joseph's behalf. You don't want to go into a game when a teammate is injured like that," McCann told reporters earlier this week. "It was a tough game. Orlando is never an easy place to go and play. To get thrown in so quick, you're not expecting that, so you have to be ready."

Mora's injury, from a collision with Orlando defender Ruan, forced the substitution after just 15 minutes on Sunday. McCann had a couple of minutes to prepare while Mora was getting attended to, but it is still an unusual process for a sub to enter a game that early. 

But there was no hesitation in sending McCann out, with the defender doing his part in helping United see out their first win on the road since May 2018.

"He's been in a bunch of soccer games in his life — that wasn't going to be scary for him," said head coach Ben Olsen this week. "He comes in and does his job."

Before joining Atlanta for their debut 2017 season, McCann had spent the entirety of his career in England. Most of that time was spent with Burnley in the EFL Championship, but during his time with Burnley, McCann was part of the team that was promoted to the Premier League, only to be relegated back to the Championship the next year.

McCann was a spot starter in Atlanta's first season but had an expanded role last year when left back Greg Garza missed a big chunk of the season due to an injury. At 31 years old and with over 400 career games under his belt, McCann was just the presence that United was looking for when they picked McCann up on waivers from Atlanta in February.

"We thought we needed a guy in the locker room and on the field with some savvy, who can help us in different spots," said Olsen.

In his debut against Orlando, McCann was part of the back line that was under constant threat during the entire second half. Dom Dwyer got the hosts back within a goal during that half, giving the Lions the motivation they needed to claw their way back from a two-goal deficit. 

It wasn't the prettiest game for the Black-and-Red, but they grinded out the result on the road, something missing from their arsenal over the past two years.

"In some respects, we made it hard on ourselves," said McCann. "We couldn't get a foothold on the ball for long periods of time. We can play better. But to come away from there saying that, with three points, it's a positive sign for us."

United will be tested again this weekend when they host Los Angeles FC, and though Olsen wouldn't tip his cap earlier this week, McCann will likely start at left back. It's a welcome change for McCann.

"It was enjoyable to get out there and finally get some minutes," McCann said of playing against Orlando. "It's been a while since I played."