Game 13 - DC United 1:0 Kansas City Wizards

DC United pulled out a well earned three points on the road this week to move into first place in the Eastern Conference for at least one day. United also now has the most points per game in MLS. FC Dallas has played four extra games and has 29 points, but their PPG of 1.71 is less than United's 1.77.

United was without four starters and was able to play just enough defense and convert one goal scoring opportunity to record their first shutout of the season, a 1-0 win over a very tough Kansas City. With none of the defenders on the field who started the season, United looked to veteran newcomer Greg Vanney to solidify the back line. However, the combination of McTavish and Perkins were the stars of the game as they deflected a dozen solid chances by the Wizards offense.

The Good:

• Excellent positioning by Perkins. He was quick in his decision making, and he was able to make himself big and reduce the open area the Wizards had to shoot into.
• McTavish was able to make up ground and get in the way of open shooters and had at least three sliding blocks of players with an open net to shoot into.
• The Brazilians, Emilio and Fred, showed great poise in creating and finishing the lone goal of the game.

The Bad:

• The midfield continues to have trouble maintaining possession. Giveaways in the center of the field were prevelant and resulted in immediate counters that put the defense in terrible positions.
• Vanney was not the smooth operator he was advertised as. And one particularly bad giveaway should have resulted in a goal. Hopefully this will work itself out over the next few games.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Addlery) B

Emilio extends his goal scoring streak to five consecutive and does it in traffic. An amazing bit of skill from him. Addlery had a disappointing game following his Player of the Week honor.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Moose, and Carroll the Elder) C+

Fred was the most dangerous player on the field for United, and Gomez played well with several darting runs through the midfield. Moose was erratic and deserved the midgame benching. Carroll was good defensively, but almost invisible when United had possession.

Defense (Gros, McTavish, Simms, Vanney, and Perkins) A-

Hopefully, this is the last time we see this particular back line. Boswell should be back soon and Namoff as well. But, for all it's difficulties, a clean sheet speaks for itself. Well done.

Subs (Mediate, Dyachenko, and DeRoux) B-

Mediate was passable as a replacement for Moose on the left wing. Dyachenko and DeRoux didn't make an impression.