Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 2 - DC United vs Chicago Fire

Thursday, November 1 at 7:30 PM

TV: ESPN2 HD
Radio: 1160 AM

DC United returns to Washington needing a win to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship. Since Chicago enters the game with a 1-0 advantage, United would force an overtime period with a one goal win, and they would win outright with a two goal win, regardless of the score. A final score of 2-0 is the same as 7-5. If the overtime period finishes with no additional goals scored, the teams resort to a shootout.

United should have everyone available except for Josh Gros who is out after wrist surgery. Both Emilio and Moreno are expected to start this do-or-die game. United looks to begin to correct it's dismal postseason record against Chicago, with no goals scored in six games. The starting lineup should include the normal regular season cast of characters. I think that Bobby Boswell will get the start over Greg Vanney. So the starting eleven should be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, McTavish, Burch, Boswell, Namoff, and Perkins. If United is looking for a goal, look for Kpene to replace a defender, if United is trying to maintain a two goal lead, look for Carroll (heaven help us) to replace a forward. I see United getting the early goal and then it is a long slow march to the finish to see if United can get the second goal before Chicago gets the equalizer/series winner. I see both teams too timid to get the second goal and things get really interesting in overtime and the shootout.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 Chicago Fire
Series Tied 2-2
United advances on penalty kicks 4:3