Preview of Game 22 - DC United at New York Red Bulls

DC United comes into this game looking to rebound from only their second loss of the season. Both of United's losses have been on the road to inferior competition with the deciding goals coming very late in the match. United is 5-2-4 on the road this season with a +6 goal differential. United is in first place in the Eastern Conference, seventeen points clear of second place New England. DC is also in first place in the Supporters Shield race, six points ahead of FC Dallas after twenty-one games.

The Red Bulls are on a 4 game unbeaten streak which followed a four game winless streak. New coach Bruce Arena will be on the sidelines for the first MLS match since leaving DC United in 1998 after winning the MLS Cup. New York is 4-2-4 at home this season with a even goal differential. They are in fourth palce in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Kansas City and two ahead of Chicago. They are in eight place in the Supporters Shield race, twenty-one points behind DC United.

With United on form after their tie with Real Madrid and New York looking to play well for their new coach, the game should be a good one. Look for the home team to score early and United to respond with one in the first half and the game winner in the last 15 minutes.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 New York Red Bulls

All Star Break Over - PPP Returns

After a nice couple weeks on hiatus, DC United returns to MLS action tonight. A preview will follow later today, but I wanted to jot down a few comments about the very busy time since the last league match.

I honestly wanted John Wilson cut after he lost his head against Real Salt Lake and decided to give the game away. I have adjusted my stance a bit to, keep him off the field for a while and if he does that again, goodbye. What is the point of putting him on the field if the defense doesn't get better. I was so high on him earlier this year, this is a tough turnaround to swallow. One more chance. I am sure I am over reacting, though.

I didn't get to see the All Star Game and my TiVo failed me (most likely I forgot to program it) but it sounds like if the choice was to watch either that game or the Real Madrid game, I made the right choice. More below.

I listened to Tony Limarzi's call of the US Open Cup match against the Crew and it sounded exciting, too exciting in fact. Good for Gomez to play the full 120 minutes. I'm just glad we stayed alive. Next up, RBNY next week.

The goal scored against Real Madrid was a thing of beauty. I think there have been and will be more important and memorable moments this year, but those four passes were fun to watch. And does Eskandarian ever score an average goal? It seems like he's either in traffic or booming a shot from distance. He's so much fun to watch.

DC United need 8 wins in the last 11 to set the scoring record. Number 1 is tonight.