A big part of D.C. United's early-season success in 2019 was the play of their back line. Anchored by Bill Hamid in goal, the Black-and-Red only gave up one goal in their first four games, and they kept four clean sheets in their first six games. While the offense wasn't in full gear, the defense was making sure United was able to pick up points — whether at Audi Field or on the road. 

But in their recent struggles, in which United have won just one of their last nine league games, United have not been as sound defensively. Early goals at FC Dallas and last Friday against the New England Revolution put the Black-and-Red in tight spots. D.C. is still third in the league for fewest goals conceded, but having kept just two clean sheets during this nine-game skid, there could be some cause for concern.

That's not the case, though, according to Ben Olsen. Conceding the early goals has not been ideal, but Olsen says that his side's ability to create chances still remains the top concern.

"They’ve all been different [goals]. Some individuals have to do better, some have been collective," Olsen said of the goals United have given up in recent weeks. "The goals we are giving up are less alarming over the last month and a half. I’m more concerned with the lack of chances created."

However, Olsen said that early in the second half against the Revolution, United were getting back to creating the types of chances they need to on a consistent basis. Though no goals came from that 20-minute stretch, it was a positive sign as United fought back from a two-goal deficit to earn a point in a 2-2 draw anyway.

"What you saw the other night against New England, [during] that 45- to 65-minute span, is that we’re capable of getting good numbers in and around box," Olsen said. "Getting service, and having a bunch of opportunities. The structure we’re in now lends us to create more chances. Gets us more sniffs at goal."

With Luciano Acosta suspended against New England, Olsen opted to go with a three center back formation from the start of the game. It's a look that has been used on a handful occasions this year, mainly to make up for the loss of left back Joseph Mora earlier this year. 

But there wasn't much time between the loss at Dallas and the New England game to work on the formation, which saw Donovan Pines start as the third center back. And that showed early on, when the Revs went up by two goals in the first half, as United adjusted to the formation. 

"Gave up a couple of soft goals, maybe out of position, or whatever it may be, but we got into the rhythm of the game, and the way we wanted to go about playing in it," center back Steven Birnbaum said after Monday's open practice. "It’s tough implementing a new system, but we have been working on it a lot, we just have to fine tune things."

There's a possibility that United will use the same look on Thursday, when they visit FC Cincinnati for their first ever game against the expansion side. Acosta could have his suspension extended for another game, which might force Olsen's hand in using the secondary set up. 

Whether it's the 3-4-2-1 or the 4-2-3-1 though, United are anxious to get themselves back into the win column with two games this week. Despite picking up nine points in their last nine games, United have managed to cling onto the second position in the Eastern Conference. 

Where they are in the standings as of mid-July isn't a huge concern for a team that expects to make the playoffs, but the recent run of form hasn't been good enough for the Black-and-Red.

"We see the table, we see the other teams have games in hand," added Birnbaum. "We aren’t too worried about the standings, we’re more worried about the way we’re going about these games, and we’re in a little bit of a slump."