Shorthanded DC United can’t keep up with New York City FC in 2-0 loss

Rodríguez scored in the 20th minute and crossed to substitute Julián Fernández in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Since a season-opening victory over New England, United (2-3-4) has managed just a home triumph over Montreal.

“That’s the slowest we started all year,” Lesesne said. “Credit New York City: They were on top of us, and they deserved to go up one-nil, if not maybe find a second goal. … Can’t start a match like that.”

With just 16 players in uniform, four fewer than the maximum, Lesesne did not have many options to address the unfolding problems.

“I don’t think [the absences are] a useful subject right now,” Lesesne said. “What I expect is anyone that’s in our group has to display the things we talk about, and they do that. This is the first time we haven’t done that. … If we have that type of behavior and mentality, then it doesn’t matter who’s on the field. We’re not going to be successful.”

Christian Benteke, who entered the weekend tied for the league lead in goals with six, was the imposing target in United’s direct-play tactics. But the Belgian striker did not receive much service in dangerous positions; on his one great chance, he wasted an uncontested header from close range late in the first half.

With Yankee Stadium unavailable, United visited Citi Field in Queens for the first time. Neither venue is well suited for soccer, but NYCFC (3-4-2) has had to make do while one stadium proposal after another has fallen apart. This week, though, the city approved plans for a 25,000-seat soccer complex as part of a large development at Willets Point, next to Citi Field. It’s targeted to open in 2027. Mayor Eric Adams (D) and other city officials attended a pregame ceremony Saturday.

United was under severe duress in the first 10 minutes as the host team ran rampant before squandering quality chances. NYCFC soon broke through on a breezy counterattack. From his own end, Mounsef Bakrar sprung Hannes Wolf free on the right flank. Wolf’s diagonal pass met Rodríguez for a clean one-timer past Alex Bono and into the far corner.

“That is not how we usually start games,” midfielder Jackson Hopkins said. “Usually we’re starting fast and on top of the other team, and it was the opposite today.”

With NYCFC taking advantage of open space, Lesesne adjusted his formation.

“If you’re going to play a back three and you’re going to be aggressive in the way that we hope to be aggressive, then there has to be full commitment,” he said. “And there wasn’t.”

United stirred late in the half, keyed by Matti Peltola’s ball-winning tackle. But on Jared Stroud’s cross, Benteke missed a clear header from 10 yards.

United’s vulnerability emerged again early in the second half, but NYCFC was off-target, and Bono made a terrific kick save on Agustín Ojeda.

United had a few dangerous — but unfulfilled — moments. NYCFC’s counterattacking bids to put the match away failed as well. On the counter, Bakrar butchered a cross while alone in the box.

With time melting away, Rodríguez danced down the right side and crossed to Fernández for a rising one-timer into the near side.

“We had a few good attacks, but not too much positive to say about tonight,” Peltola said. “Especially after a loss like this, when you’re nowhere near the best you can be, it’s always a good moment to look in the mirror.”

Here’s what else to know about United’s loss:

Because of injuries, suspensions and loans — and the exclusion of a player who has fallen out of favor — United had just five substitutes. Two were goalkeepers, leaving three outfield options.

Mateusz Klich and Aaron Herrera were suspended for accumulating five yellow cards. Ted Ku-DiPietro, Conner Antley, Steven Birnbaum, Russell Canouse and Garrison Tubbs are injured. Jeremy Garay (El Paso) and Hayden Sargis (Las Vegas) are on loan in the second-flight USL Championship.

Even with the player shortage, left back Mohanad Jeahze (one appearance) did not travel. United has been trying to trade or transfer him.

Goalkeeper Tyler Miller was in uniform for the first time since he recovered from shoulder surgery last fall.

As part of a protest of United’s preseason trip to Saudi Arabia, the team’s largest supporters’ group, Screaming Eagles, said it raised $5,000 in donations for Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

All fan groups refrained from organized singing and chanting at the first four home matches — the number of games United played in Saudi Arabia. Equipped with a drum, a few dozen fans attended Saturday.