D.C. United's Steve Birnbaum (white jersey) in Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal action host Alajuelense on February 26, 2015, in Alajuela. (Photo: Imagenes en Costa Rica)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With D.C. United racing to get ready for the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, Steve Birnbaum had a head start.

The 25-year-old defender helped the United States preserve a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Canada on February 5.  Five days before that, he scored the match-winner and his first international goal in a 3-2 win over Iceland. 

“It was a special moment for me and my family,” said Birnbaum, who had plenty of familiar faces on hand in Carson, California, just 45 minutes from where he grew up.  “Even some family from Missouri flew out for the game, so it was a special moment to do it in front of all them and some of my friends.“

Now Birnbaum is focused on helping the Black and Red prepare for its two-leg series against Mexico’s Queretaro that starts away on February 23 at the Estadio Corregidora.

United is making its second consecutive SCCL quarterfinal appearance, falling 6-4 on aggregate to Alajuelense last year.  Birnbaum netted his first professional goal in the first leg, a 5-2 away loss in Costa Rican, and hopes that accumulated familiarity with the competition will yield results.

“It’s a good experience looking back on it now, knowing what we’re going to expect going down to Mexico this year,” he says.  “I think the guys are prepared for it.”

D.C. preserved shutouts in its first three group games last fall to wrap up their quarterfinal spot, before closing out the stage with a 3-3 draw against Montego Bay United.

In Queretaro, United faces a side that scored 11 goals in four group matches, including an explosive 8-0 home victory over Verdes FC.  Gallos Blancos forward Emmanuel Villa leads all tournament scorers with six goals. 

In what could be a contrast of styles during the first leg, Birnbaum believes United’s defense can win out.

“I think if we stay compact and defend together, and I think if we can hold them to no goals there, then we’ll be fine,” he finished.  “If we have no goals against us, we’re always in it.  That’s our plan and that’s how I look at it.”