Playoffs Game 1 - DC United 0:1 Chicago Fire

So it's halftime in the first round, and United is training 1-0. That's how I choose to look at this. And I assume that is how Tom Soehn looked at it as well, right? Otherwise, how can you defend his choice to put out a completely new formation and essentially concede that United wouldn't score in the first 45 minutes. The total goals by the lone forward on the field this season? Zero. We'll get into the fact that Brian Carroll was in the lineup in a minute, but where was the offense going to come from in that lineup? The midfield has to be the answer. Where were the threats in the midfield? Two were on the wings crossing to the middle. Fred and Olsen were playing as if Emilio and Moreno were in the box to receive their crosses. Burch was crossing to the middle as well. Unfortunately the only person in the box to receive the passes was five foot seven inch Kpene. I don't care what he is listed at on the roster, he's no taller than that.

Now, Carroll. His offensive skill set is horrendous. How many times did he have the ball at his feet and his head down, surrounded by Fire defenders and midfielders? How many times was he given a good setup ball on the ground and he shanked the shot? How many times did he give the ball away with little pressure? If Carroll is on the field, we are going to lose. He even out-influenced Simms' extraordinary record when he starts. It was Simms' worst game of the year. And you can't say it was unrelated to playing next to Carroll. Here are the players I would have started over Carroll at holding midfielder: Moose, Dyachenko, Boswell, Addlery, Jeff Carroll, and Nolly. Okay, maybe not Nolly.

The Good:

• Didn't give up the second, series jeopardizing goal
• Perkins looked good
• Gomez was excellent if you discount his dozen offsides calls

The Bad:

• ESPN's Coverage. They just can't figure out when to go to the closeup reaction camera. Here's a hint, not when a team is in the offensive third of the field.
• Vanney's attempts at clears on balls in the air
• Coaching strategy

Grades:

Kpene (C) He really wasn't given much to work with
Fred (B+) Really picked it up in the second half. Very dangerous.
Gomez (A-) Best player on the field. Let's hope he can continue it. And no spitting.
Olsen (B) Uneven performance. Seemed a step slow.
Simms (C-) Blanco was held in check, but how much was United's doing? Shanked several shots.
Carroll (D-) I don't understand how he keeps getting on the field
Burch (B-) Good crosses, average defense
McTavish (C) The middle defenders were not solid. Good job compacting the field in the second half.
Vanney (D) Terrible. Boswell should replace him at RFK
Namoff (B+) Excellent at pushing forward in the second half.
Perkins (B+) Not at fault on the goal. Good coverage and distribution.