Game 14 - DC United 1:0 Chicago Fire

What a nerve-wracking game. From the moment DC United scored, they seemed unable to maintain possession. Very poor games from the forwards and midfielders. Talk about a terrible way to win three points. Almost unwatchable. Is this really the same team that scored eight goals in two games a few weeks ago?

The Good:

• McTavish got his first significant time of the year and wasn't bad. He started on the right but was switched to the left around the 65th minute and seemed to play much better from there.
• Perkins was strong again in goal. He played the crosses well and seemed to be very comfortable throughout the game. You've got to say that Perkins is the clear #1 at this point.
• Simms puts one in from distance with a spectacular strike.

The Bad:

• Jaime goes down with what looked like an ankle injury. He stayed on the sideline for about 10 minutes after being subbed out before hobbling to the bench. I would say he is doubtful for Saturday's game. Think good thoughts for Eskandarian and his availability against Kansas City.
• Nothing of note from the forwards. Not able to keep much possession and did little to threaten Chicago.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno, Adu) C

Adu rings the post again. How unlucky can Freddy get? He was really playing withdrawn forward instead of striker. Jaime was not very effective before being subbed after rolling the ankle.

Midfielders (Gros, Mediate, Simms, Carroll the Elder, Gomez) D

Folded up the tent after Simms' goal. Completely inexcusable after the last two games. Anyone else remember two late goals which resulted in two ties to inferior teams? I do. Gros had a great chance in the box in the first half and waited so long that he was surrounded by defenders and ended up dribbling it out of bounds. Carroll and Simms were unable to start the attack and Gomez was invisible for the last 75 minutes.

Defense (Boswell, Erpen, Namoff, Perkins) A-

The lone bright spot on the night. Perkins was the Player of the Game. Namoff and Boswell were very steady. Erpen had a slow start where he seemed not to get a touch for the first 20 minutes, but he ended up with a solid game including yet another 'Flying Facundo' clearance at the top of the box. My, but doesn't he love to leave both feet and take wild swings at the ball.

Subs (McTavish, Wilson, Walker) C+

McTavish played better as the game went along. Wilson was a good sub since DC United had stopped attacking somewhere around minute 20. Walker was able to waste time during the last five minutes and during injury time.

Overheard in Section M-32:

We were invaded by the enemy! A jersey wearing Fire fan came into our section just before halftime and tried to hang a banner right in front of me. The hell? Not in our house. Not on my watch. And the guy was actually upset when he was denied. Amazing.