Poplar Point Perspective

2008-07-25T10:55:00.004-04:00

Game 12 - DC United 0:2 Houston Dynamo

I don't know if it is the summer doldrums, United's recent run of losses at home, the constantly evolving schedule, or some other influence, but I'm glad there is a week and a half break until the next game. The SuperLiga was a disaster. Injuries played a large part in it, true. But a team needs to be able to absorb two or three lineup changes without falling apart. Admittedly, I was not at the game on Wednesday due to the late schedule change (and let's be honest, in hindsight it was a blessing to miss it even on TV), but the drop off from Peralta to his replacement and Gallardo to his is jarring. I can remember complaining about this last season and lamenting that United were one injury away from oblivion. I can honestly say that unless Gallardo returns at full strength United will not make the playoffs. And the next game with both Gonzolos unavailable is not looking good. So much for all the good stuff that happened in June. DC United start over again in August. As Fred and Emilio would say, meu deus.

2008-07-22T15:44:00.004-04:00

DC United vs Houston Dynamo POSTPONED

Lack of power at the stadium has caused the game to be postponed until tomorrow night. Call your friends and let them know.

2008-07-11T15:06:00.003-04:00

SuperLiga Group A - DC United vs CD Guadalajara

DC United continue their hiatus from league play with three games in eight days for the group stage of the tournament. DC United are in the same group as Atlante, Houston Dynamo, and CD Guadalajara. CDG are coming off of a subpar year in the Mexican League and look to salvage a trophy at the expense of their neighbors to the north. CD Guadalajara eliminated DC United from the Copa Sudamericana last fall on away goals.

Unfortunately I'll have to catch this one on TV as I have out of town guests visiting. Just glad it is on TV, unlike the US Open Cup games.

I'm assuming United will be at full strength, minus Olsen. Gallardo has had two weeks to rest up and Moreno seemed like he was fine with his post game comments. Also, I haven't heard anything about Fred who was limping around on Tuesday, so maybe everyone will be available. Hopefully United will go out and grab the three points.

Prediction:

United 1:0 CD Guadalajara

2008-07-08T22:09:00.003-04:00

US Open Cup Quarterfinals - DC United 2:1 Chicago Fire

DC United has advanced to the semifinals of the US Open Cup after outlasting Chicago in extra time. The goals were scored by two unlikely players as Doe and Namoff tallied for United.

The win might have been costly as Moreno left the game after playing only about thirty minutes and Fred was visibly limping at the end. United will play New England in the semifinals next month at RFK.

No grades as I listened to the game on the radio.

2008-07-08T09:39:00.002-04:00

Ben Olsen Has Another Surgery

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Ben Olsen has had another ankle surgery to try and reduce the pain he experienced when training with United in the week leading up to his fifteen minute appearance against LA. While not expected to "end his season", it is another setback for Olsen following his career year in 2007.

2008-07-08T09:18:00.003-04:00

US Open Cup Quarterfinals - DC United vs Chicago Fire

DC United welcome longtime playoff nemesis, Chicago, to suburban Maryland for a Round of Eight game in the US Open Cup. The longer United stay in the tournament, the more important it becomes in relation to the rest of the season. United catches a break in that they haven't played a league game in nine days and several of the top players should be well rested. I expect Gallardo, Moreno, Emilio, Fred, Gonzales, and Namoff (my top six players) to all play at least sixty minutes. In fact, the starting lineup may well be the same one that finished the first half against LA, with Burch in for Quaranta.

United have never beaten Chicago in an elimination game. The rivalry extends back from the 1998 MLS Cup which Chicago won to the 2-1 comeback win for United in extra time while down a man in Chicago. The recent addition of Cuauhtemoc Blanco to the Fire has only enhanced the rivalry in that he is the object of much of the hatred/respect that DC United supporters throw Chicago's way.

I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Fred, Simms, Burch, Namoff, Peralta, McTavish, Martinez, and Wells. Look for Kirk, Dyachenko, Carroll the Younger, and Doe to get time off the bench.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 Chicago Fire
United advances on penalty kicks 5:4

2008-07-02T16:02:00.001-04:00

Oh, Fred, Who Art Thou?

The DCenters posted an excellent article on the value of Gallardo this season. While I agree with most of his reasoning (I am solidly in the Pro-Gallardo camp), I think the more interesting debate is concerning Fred. I thought Fred was dangerous in the game against LA on Sunday, DCUMD gave him bottom marks (rail behind the bar), Goff gave him a 6, BLCKDGRD disagreed with Goff's rating saying he is indecisive and making terrible passes, and D placed him in the Bad section and has vowed to call him F-r-e-* until he finishes something.

So, who is this Fred, and why all the disagreement?

Fred, a Brazilian, joined a DC United team last season that was primed for an MLS Cup run. He was starting by the end of the first month and has been a mainstay in the starting lineup since then. He has been relatively durable, appearing in twenty-six of thirty games last season and twelve of fifteen this season. He can play either side of the midfield and the center. He is ~~left~~ right footed and makes excellent cut back runs to the center which really put the defense on their heels. He is a deft dribbler in tight spaces and doesn't go down easily. Memories of his 2007 season are positive. He finished with seven goals and eight assists and DC United won the Supporter's Shield. So, he is associated with excellent play and winning results.

In 2008, Fred's statistics are down from last season's pace, but so are United as a whole. He has created numerous chances and this has resulted in a large portion of his criticism. Is it enough to generate chances for yourself and others if those chances don't result in goals? My guess is that the Pro-Fred crowd would say yes, it is enough to be dangerous and keep the defense on their toes. The Anti-Fred crowd would say no, finish something. Fred seems to be one of the most talented players on the team, so much is expected from him. If Fred goes a half, a game, a few games without tangible results, the scrutiny is ratcheted up. Then, each missed pass, each unpulled trigger in the box, each ball skied over the goal, is magnified, dissected, and regurgitated. If Fred was less talented or less likable, I think his poor play would be rationalized, much like Josh Gros was. Gros was a hard worker who was limited offensively. If Gros produced a total of six goals and assists for the year, or one a month, the masses would have been happy. Not so with Fred, who last season averaged 2.5 goals/assists a month and is now on a 1.3 goals/assists a month pace.

So which side are you on? Happy with Fred, or left needing more?

2008-07-02T10:14:00.003-04:00

US Open Cup Round of 16 - DC United 2:0 Rochester Rhinos

I only caught the second half on the radio, and some of that was garbled due to technical issues, but DC United was able to pull out a victory while resting several starters. Gallardo, Peralta, and Moreno didn't play at all, and Emilio, Fred, Martinez, and Simms played a half. The game was tied 0-0 until two late, deflected free kicks by Marc Burch both found the net. The one I've seen on youtube didn't look all that great, but the other was better from what I've read. United moves on to play Chicago next Tuesday at the SoccerPlex. I'm going to try to make it out there for this one. And, if Tony Limarzi is to be believed (and I always believe him), Fred blew another wide open net at the beginning of the second half.

2008-06-30T10:45:00.003-04:00

Halfway Point

After the win over LA, DC United has officially reached the halfway point in the regular season schedule. This is the traditional point in baseball to double your stats and see where you are. I figure, if it's good enough for baseball...

Projected 2008 Full Season Stats (2007) Difference

Goals
Emilio 20 (20) 0
Moreno 12 (7) +5
Gallardo 8 (N/A)
Quaranta 4 (N/A)
Simms 4 (0) +4
Fred 2 (7) -5
Martinez 2 (N/A)
Namoff 2 (0) +2
Peralta 2 (N/A)
Dyachenko 1 (1) 0
Burch 0 (1) -1
Olsen 0 (7) -7

Assists

Moreno 14 (6) +8
McTavish 8 (0) +8
Fred 6 (8) -2
Gallardo 6 (N/A)
Quaranta 6 (N/A)
Burch 4 (3) +1
Dyachanko 4 (0) +4
Emilio 4 (1) +3
Simms 4 (3) +1
Cordeiro 2 (N/A)
Martinez 2 (N/A)
Niell 1* (N/A)
Olsen 0 (7) -7

* No longer with team

United also would be at 44 points which would place them solidly in the playoffs. If they were to improve their second half record to 11-0-4 (W-D-L) they would net 33 points and would be at 55, exactly the pace for an average Supporter's Shield. So that's the target. Eleven wins and 33 more points.

2008-06-29T15:40:00.005-04:00

Game 16 - DC United 4:1 Los Angeles Galaxy

DC United are back. This was evident in many ways, but let's concentrate on three.

1. The offensive creativity which has defined the United attack was varied and potent. The Galaxy defenders, not world beaters on their best day, were disorganized and caught out all afternoon. United were able to attack from the sidelines, up the middle, and on set pieces. United played beautiful long balls, deft short passes, and creative dribbling. It was beautiful to watch.

2. While still a work in progress, it is impossible to deny that the United defense has allowed a total of four goals in the last four games, all wins. Martinez, still the favorite for team MVP, has been excellent and steady, Peralta is working well in the center with McTavish, and Namoff continues to have his best season.

3. Ben Olsen. When he walked up to the fourth official and checked into the game, the roar was partly for him, partly surprise, and partly a cheer for the Tradition he represents. While he may not be the Olsen of last year, having him on the field is a great sign and I for one am thrilled he is able to play.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) A

Emilio played his best game of the year. He netted two and could have had two or three more. Moreno played a fine first half as almost a withdrawn forward. I really like him in that position and of course he scored on his chance from the spot. Excellent game from these two.

Midfielders (Gallaardo, Simms, Fred, and Quaranta) A-

Possibly the best game of the year from this group. Simms was steady. Fred was dangerous. Quaranta, while he was on, was very good running down long balls and making well struck crosses. But, Gallardo was the class of the group. From beginning to end, he was the best player on the field. Just a masterful game from him, and his goal could win goal of the week.

Defenders (Namoff, Martinez, McTavish, Peralta, and Wells) B+

The lone goal was not something to put on a training tape, but the rest of the game someone always stepped up to make the crucial play. All five made key saves on dangerous plays.

Substitutes (Burch, Olsen, and Dyachenko) A

Burch made an immediate impact with his cross to Emilio. He also had a massive strike on a free kick which struck the crossbar from around 25 yards away. Olsen was good at maintaining possession on the right side and Dyacheno nearly had a goal of his own on two occasions.

2008-06-27T10:48:00.004-04:00

Preview of Game 16 - DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy

DC United, 6-1-7 (W-D-L), welcome the LA Galaxy, to RFK for their one visit of the season. Along with the Galaxy come Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Should be a large crowd, maybe approaching 40,000. This game also matches up the two highest scoring offenses (DC 24, LA 31) and the two highest yielding defenses (DC 25, LA 24). Let the fireworks ensue. United are in the midst of a five game unbeaten streak (4-1-0) including their 3-1 win over San Jose last Saturday. DC are playing well at home with a 5-0-2 record and a +9 goal differential. United, 1.36 PPG, are currently tied for 4th in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind New England, 1.80 PPG, with a game in hand. United are also in a five way tie for 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race also led by New England.

Los Angeles, like DC United, are undefeated in June (2-1-0). Over all they are 6-3-4 and have been playing exciting soccer. Similar to recent years, the offense is successful and the defense is mediocre to awful. The poor defensive play can be attributed to salary cap decisions which have allocated large amounts to money to a few offensive players. This has left very little money with which to field a proficient unit along the back line. So they try to pummel you to death. Los Angeles have scored three or more goals six times in thirteen games. Surprisingly they have also been shutout three times. Los Angeles, 1.62 PPG, lead the Western Conference by two points over Real Salt Lake and Houston with two and one game in hands respectively. Los Angeles trails New England bby six points in the Supporter's Shield race.

United will be without Domenic Mediate (concussion), Ben Olsen (ankle) and Francis Doe (visa issues) this weekend. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Fred, Gallardo, Quaranta, Simms, Namoff, McTavish, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells. Burch, Dyachenko, Corderio, and Stratford might see time off the bench.

As has been mentioned here and on other blogs, Burch's lack of progress is more than a bit disappointing. Simply put, he has no right foot. It's not an Etcheverry situation where his left is so dominant he tries to use it at every opportunity. Burch simply refuses to use his right foot even when it seems like it is the only option. Awkward stabs at the ball which result in careless turnovers are no deterrent. I've never seen anything like it, and I can't understand how he could have progressed this far without a coach pulling him aside and telling him it is unacceptable. Could you imagine an NBA player never dribbling with his opposite hand? If it continues, I can't see him in the starting lineup at any position.

Prediction:

DC United 3:2 Los Angeles Galaxy

2008-06-27T10:41:00.002-04:00

Frank O'Neil heads back to Ireland

Irish forward Frank O'Neil has been cut from DC United's roster and will head back to the Emerald Isle to...what's that? Not Irish? Argentinian? With a last name like O'Neil? Franco Niell? Oh. Never mind.

2008-06-23T09:36:00.003-04:00

Game 15 - DC United 3:1 San Jose Earthquakes

Maybe there won't be a shutout this season. Is that such a bad thing? Personally, I'd rather win 3-1 than have a bunch of 0-0 ties. And a shutout doesn't mean that you have great defense. It can mean you play like a bunch of babies and put nine men behind the ball. Am I rationalizing? Maybe. But I do think the shutout statistic is vastly overrated. So, other than allowing a goal, what else happened?

The Good:

Martinez and Namoff continue to make runs up field and look good doing it.
Emilio's scoring streak reaches five games
The back line was solid

The Bad:

Distribution from defenders to midfield and midfield to forwards was poor for most of the night
Fred, Burch, McTavish, Simms, and Moreno all have substandard games
Wells was shaky yet again

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) B

Emilio was extremely active. He made nice runs and was dangerous in the box. San Jose needed to know where he was at all times. In addition to the very nice goal, he also hit the post off of a nice combination with Gallardo. Moreno was not bad, but he didn't seem to influence the game very much.

Midfielders (Gallardo, Fred, Simms, and Burch) C+

Simms' touch seemed to fail him most of the match. There were numerous passes which had the wrong weight and never made it to the intended recipient. He had an excellent strike which deflected into the net (he must have worked on those long shots over the winter) but he cancelled it out with his bad passing. Fred was occasionally brilliant, but often lousy. He was pulled early and deserved it. Burch has no right foot. San Jose realized this and made him use it. He couldn't and was completely inneffective. Gallardo was very influential. I watched him with binoculars for about ten minutes during the second half and this is clearly his team. He was directing players constantly shouting encouragement and criticism at what seemed to be appropriate times. He decided who took free kicks and corners and demanded the ball when he was open. His passes at times seem ambitious, but I think the team is beginning to understand how he sees the field and is starting to anticipate his passes and are starting to run on to them at the right time.

Defenders (Peralta, Gonzalez, Namoff, McTavish, and Wells) B+

If I was going order the players from one to ten on how likely they were to score a goal, it would have been as follows: Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Fred, Peralta, Burch, Simms, Namoff, McTavish, and Martinez. Numbers one, seven and ten scored. The Martinez goal was gorgeous and shocking. He has been spectacular the last two months. So far, he is the player of the year im my book. Wells keeps this group from an A. He was directly responsible for the goal, although none of it happens if Corderio doesn't get blown by on the sideline immediately preceding it. McTavish makes the spectacular save but doesn't make the simple passes. Peralta and Namoff were excellent in defense.

Substitutes (Corderio, Mediate, and Dyachenko) B-

I give partial blame on the goal to Corderio. I honestly didn't notice Mediate or Dyachenko much other than the red card which Mediate was part of.

2008-06-20T15:29:00.004-04:00

Preview of Game 15 - DC United vs San Jose Earthquakes

DC United, 5-1-7 (W-D-L), welcome expansion franchise San Jose to RFK stadium for the first of two meetings this season. United have rebounded nicely from a terrible start in which they only netted six points from the first nine games. Since then, United claimed ten of a possible twelve points. United have scored at least two goals in each of their last four games, including four last week against NYRB. DC are in the middle of a stretch of games where they play at home from June 14th thru August 10th, a total of nine games. United are 4-0-2 at home with a +7 GAA. United (1.23 PPG) are in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, eleven points behind New England (1.93 PPG) with a game in hand. DC are 9th in the Supporter's Shield race also led by New England.

San Jose Earthquakes are playing as you would expect an expansion team to play. They give up a lot of goals and don't score very many. Despite being shut out the last two games, San Jose have pulled four points out of their last three games going 1-1-1 including a 2-0 win at Columbus. San Jose are 2-1-4 on the road with a -4 goal differential. San Jose only average 0.67 goals per game on the road. San Jose (0.92 PPG) are in last place in the Western Conference, nine points behind Los Angeles (1.67 PPG). They are also last in the Supporter's Shield race, sixteen points behind New England.

If DC United are going to break through and get their first shut out, this is the game. San Jose are a fairly defenseless team. United need to attack from the start and keep the foot on the gas. With Gallardo and Namoff back from red card vacation but with Quaranta leaving for a yellow card vacation, I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Simms, Fred, Burch, Namoff, McTavish, Peralta, Gonzalez, and Wells. Dyachenko, Kirk, and Stratford could see time as substitutes.

I'm one game late, but let's look at where United was after the second fifth of the season. United had thirteen points after twelve games for an average of 1.08 points per game. That is well off the pace of 1.83 necessary to contend for the Supporter's Shield. United will need to go 12-3-2 in the remaining seventeen games to hit the fifty-five point threshold. The margin for error is very slim. To make the playoffs, DC needs to get to around forty points. Eight wins in the final seventeen games would get them there.

Prediction:

DC United 3:0 San Jose Earthquakes

2008-06-05T10:26:00.004-04:00

Game 12 - DC United vs Houston Dynamo
Postponed due to lack of flood insurance

As I exited Lake RFK last night, I was left with a few impressions:

Since I no longer had my game ticket (who keeps a soccer ticket in case of a rain out?) how am I going to get into the game when it is rescheduled? Anyone know?
This was a bad game to bring my 10 month old to
Gallardo appears to be a mudder. He looked great
Houston couldn't wait to leave the field when the referee suspended the game
Loved the fact that you could see the outline of the old baseball diamond in the pattern of the puddles. Shows how well the drainage system works. And I guess there won't be a crown on the field at RFK anymore. Hopefully the new stadium comes soon. I think the game would have been playable longer and started again if the field had a crown.

So, looks like late summer for the replay of this game. Do they start from the beginning or pick up in the 16th minute? What happens if someone gets cut or traded who was on the field? Does replacing them count as a sub? When is an MLS game official? Halftime? I need answers people!

2008-06-04T15:35:00.003-04:00

Preview of Game 12 - DC United vs Houston Dynamo

DC United welcome the two time defending MLS Cup winners to Washington, DC. Currently (4 PM) it is raining pretty hard in DC so conditions could be sloppy at RFK. United are coming off of a 2-2 tie at New England which felt like a loss. However, the offensive production was a big step up. Emilio, Gallardo, Fred, Simms and Moreno all appeared to be on the same page in the first half and only several spectacular saves kept United from posting four or five goals. United are 3-0-2 (W-D-L) at home this season with a +4 goal differential. United, 3-1-7, is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, trailing New England, 6-2-3, by ten points. New England also leads the Supporter's Shield race.

Houston Dynamo are back on track after a very slow start to the season and return to RFK Stadium where they clinched the MLS Cup last fall. Dynamo won three games in May with two ties and only one loss. Houston have not played well on the road with a 1-3-3 record and a -4 goal differential. Houston, 3-5-3, are tied second place in the Western Conference, one point behind Colorado who have a game in hand. Houston trails New England by six points in the Supporter's Shield race.

United remains relatively healthy after eleven league games and four tournament games. Olsen remains unavailable but every other player should be ready to go. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Fred, Gallardo, Simms, Quaranta, Namoff, Peralta, McTavish, Martinez, and Wells. Burch, Dyachenko, and maybe Stratford come off the bench.

Prediction:

DC United 1:0 Houston Dynamo

2008-05-29T11:26:00.002-04:00

Preview of Game 11 - DC United at New England Revolution

DC United, 3-0-7 (W-D-L), travel north to Massachusetts to take on New England in a nationally televised match up on ESPN2. DC United are coming off of a desperately needed come from behind victory at home against Toronto FC. Emilio ended his seven game scoreless streak, Fred looked to be at full strength, and United scored on a set piece. All things that could lead to a change in fortunes. As always, time will tell. United have been horrendous on the road this season losing all five games and only scoring one goal while surrendering twelve. United are currently ten points behind Eastern Conference leading Chicago, Columbus, and New England. Those three also lead the Supporter's Shield race.

New England, (6-1-3), have been on a three game winning streak allowing only a single goal while scoring five. New England is a respectable 2-0-2 at home with a +1 goal differential. New England are tied for the lead in the Eastern Conference and the Supporter's Shield race with Chicago and Columbus.

Now is the time to show how far they have come. The comeback victory will not mean much if they get shutout on the road. Last place teams don't need road victories, playoff teams do. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Fred, Gallardo, Quaranta, Simms, Namoff, McTavish, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells. Niell was left off of the senior roster again and looks like he will be released before the July 1 roster date. Everyone on the roster on July 1 has their contracts guaranteed for the season.

Prediction:

DC United 2:2 New England Revolution

2008-05-28T11:05:00.004-04:00

Game 10 - DC United 3:2 Toronto FC

Apologies for the lack of posts during the last two weeks. Personal travel and a wedding anniversary combined in a way which prevented me from watching any of the games live or on same-day-tape. Once I was able to watch them several days later, the posts I would have written seemed dated since there was a game either that night of the next day.

So where is DC United? One third of the way through the season and United is sitting on nine points. They are way off pace for making the playoffs and seem to be out of both the Supporter's Shield race and the Easter Conference title. The offense is playing below expectations, not generating the chances which were anticipated. The defense is actually playing better than last year. The keeper has been a bit spotty, but the number of goals allowed is exactly the same as it was last season through ten games. The fact that there hasn't been a shutout skews the numbers a bit. So what is the biggest difference between this year and last? The inability to earn a tie on the road. If United was standing on a 3-3-4 (W-D-L) record, there would be no panic, and large amounts of optimism. However, the three extra losses make for a depressed locker room. The most recent game is cause for hope, but the needed breakthrough on the road better come soon.

2008-05-09T11:08:00.005-04:00

Game 7 - DC United 0:2 Chicago Fire

I am now worried about making the playoffs. My worries can by put into to two main categories.

Personnel:

It look like the bench is no stronger this season than it has been in the past few years. With Gallardo and Fred out, the midfield was severely out classed by the Chicago Fire. Dyachenko is not creative enough and is prone to brain cramps where he holds the ball too long and gets it taken away from him. Burch, once again, proved he isn't a midfielder. In fact the whole DC United offense last night seemed to consist of passing the ball around in the midfield until someone kicked it directly to a Fire defender. Directly to them. And I have a question. If one of your forwards is the size of a small point guard and the man marking him is the size of a power forward, does it make sense to continuously play the ball in eight feet off the ground? Niell is pint sized, Dyachenko. Stop sending head balls to him.

Tactics:

Game after game, United seems unable to push forward with numbers. The slow build allows the opposition to father forces behind the ball and mount a defense which requires tremendous ball skills to penetrate. DC United lacks the requisite ball skills to do this, so what happens is any pass which isn't played into space or to Moreno is fumbled and turned over. Seven games, same results. When United scores it is in long ball passes or when the defense makes a mistake. I think it is time to go to a counter attack offense. Back to the 4-4-2 lineup and have Fred, Gallardo, Quaranta, and Emilio make runs into the box when possession changes. Five times DC has given up the first goal, all losses and four of them shutouts. They simply can't afford to give up the first goal.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Niell) C-

Lack of imagination only mitigated by one or two quick decisions which resulted in shots on goal. Niell was directly and solely responsible for the second goal after a reckless giveaway at midfield.

Midfielders (Simms, Burch, Dyachenko, Moreno, and Quaranta) D

Simms was his normal, steady self. Moreno was also effective in the central midfield. Quaranta looked tired and uninterested. Burch proved once again that he has no right foot by failing to make simple passes with his right in favor of trying to make awkward stabs with his left. One time he sent the ball out of bounds on the far sideline because he tried to switch fields with an outside of the foot cross which he toed and missed his target by twenty yards. Even Prideaux was able to stay in front of him because he went to the end line every time he got close to the box.

Defenders (Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells) B+

Best game of the year from Wells. Namoff was the best player on the field for United. Peralta was fine except for his strange inability to control headers. Martinez was very solid and made several good runs with the ball.

Substitutes (Doe, Stratford, and Kirk) C

All were ineffective. Kirk only played about a minute.

2008-05-08T10:01:00.004-04:00

Preview of Game 7 - DC United vs Chicago Fire

DC United, 2-0-4 (W-D-L), welcome the team which knocked them out of the 2007 playoffs to RFK stadium for an ESPN2 national television matchup. DC United have been dreadful on the road this season, but they have played well at home. United, six points, is 2-0-1 at home this season with a +5 goal differential. DC United is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Columbus by nine points. Columbus also leads the Supporter's Shield race with DC United in tenth.

Chicago are coming off of an impressive 3-0 whitewashing of New England on the road. Chicago have been excellent away from home this season with two wins and a tie in three games and a +4 goal differential. Chicago, thirteen points, are in second place in the Eastern Conference trailing Columbus by two points. They are also in second place in the Supporter's Shield race.

This is a game which could determine the shape of the Eastern Conference. If Chicago wins, they put a lot of distance between them and United, the preseason favorite. If United wins, they stay within arms reach of the conference leaders with the bulk of the MLS schedule remaining. It looks as though McTavish and Olsen are unavailable. I expect the starting lineup to be Moreno, Emilio, Fred, Gallardo, Simms, Quaranta, Dyachenko, Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells in a 3-5-2 formation.

Prediction:

DC United 1:2 Chicago

2008-05-06T12:24:00.003-04:00

Ich Bin Ein Berliner

DC United has issued a press release announcing the partnership with Volkswagen and photos of what the new uniforms will look like. I think I can get used to it. Not overly large, matches the uniform well and the circle logo even evokes a soccer ball a bit. All in all, very palatable.

2008-05-05T09:08:00.003-04:00

Game 6 - DC United 0:2 Colorado Rapids

DC United were shut out for the third consecutive time on the road to begin the 2008 season. From watching the game, I didn't see anything that was definitively different from what they try to do at home. Fred was missing, but he cannot be the difference between four goals and a shutout. Moreno didn't start, but he played in the second half and never seemed to get it going. Colorado are a decent team, but United now have a -8 goal differential on the road in only three games.

I thought the defense played well and the two goals were more a result of good play by the Rapids. The first goal was vintage Christian Gomez. Just an excellent pass and an equally impressive one timer. The second goal was a very nice quick cross and header by Erpen. It was like old home week with the DC United Alumni Association: Colorado Chapter getting a bit of revenge. Peralta had a much better game in central defense. Zach Wells was not at fault on either goal. Both were rocket shots that I wouldn't expect any goalie to save.

I'm not sure if it is panic time yet, but in my 2008 season preview I crunched a few numbers and determined that DC United needed to average eleven points for every six games to have a shot at the Supporters Shield and eight points to make the playoffs. United stand on six points. They are now 20% of the way through the MLS schedule. I'm not in panic mode yet. However, after game twelve, United had better have at least eighteen points.

Grades

Forwards (Neill and Emilio) C-

Another quiet game from the forwards. Both were subbed out in the second half and deservedly so.

Midfielders (Gallardo, Simms, Burch, Quaranta, and Dyachenko) B-

I liked Dyachenko this game. He has some ball skills which can be developed. Simms was fine and Gallardo was the best player on the field for United. Burch is still out of his depth in the midfield. An off game from Quaranta.

Defenders (Namoff, Martinez, Peralta, and Wells) B+

Solid game from this group. No complaints. I liked the runs forward from Martinez and Namoff.

Substitutes (Moreno, Doe, and Kirk) C+

Doe and Kirk were unable to create any real chances. Moreno was unable to put a stamp on the game with a full half of work.

2008-05-02T15:15:00.003-04:00

Olsen's Bad Wheel

According to Goff, DC United midfielder and my favorite player, Ben Olsen's career is in some danger. This is really sad news. In the back of my mind, I thought this was a possibility but I refused to really acknowledge it. Goff's report puts it in black and white. I wish Benny the best and won't be trading in my #14 jersey any time soon. However, this has real personnel ramifications for DC United this season. Last season Olsen was moved out to the wing because there wasn't anyone else to play there. Now the options are Quaranta who was cut recently, McTavish and Burch who are defenders, and Young Player To Be Named Later (Kirk, Jeff Carroll, Stratford). Maybe there will be a signing this summer to replace him, otherwise that could be a big hole to fill.

2008-05-02T14:46:00.003-04:00

Preview of Game 6 - DC United at Colorado Rapids

DC United travels to Rocky Mountains for a mile high date with the Colorado Rapids. DC United has been quite the Jekyll and Hyde team this season playing very well at home and downright dreadful on the road. United is 0-0-2 (W-D-L) on the road with a -6 goal differential (zero goals scored). United, 2-0-3, is in last place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind Columbus. DC is tied for ninth in the Supporter's Shield race also led by Columbus.

Colorado Rapids are in the midst of a two game losing streak, netting a single goal in the 180 minutes. They are an average team so far with a win and a loss at home in their two games. The Rapids have a +2 goal differential. Colorado, 2-0-3, trails Western Conference leading FC Dallas by two points and Supporter's Shield leading Columbus by six points.

So the big question entering this game is whether DC United can shake their road funk and pull out at least a point. After this game, twenty percent of the season will be over. If United wins, they will be on pace for a 45 point season, a tie puts them on a 35 point pace, and a loss puts them on a 30 point pace. Last season it took 40 points to make the playoffs. Not good numbers, but it is still early. McTavish appears to be out again this week and Fred is questionable but will make the trip. I expect the starting lineup to be Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Fred, Quaranta, Simms, Burch, Namoff, Martinez, Peralta, and Wells in a 4-4-2 formation. Subs should be Dyachenko, Niell, and Stratford.

Prediction:

DC United 2:2 Colorado Rapids

2008-05-02T09:42:00.003-04:00

DC United Now Diesel Powered

It has been revealed that DC United has signed an agreement with German auto manufacturer Volkswagen to be the company to place it's logo in the gigantic empty space on DC United's 2008 jerseys. We all knew this was coming. I'm of two minds about it. I don't like the idea of jersey advertising. It seems cheap and tacky. However, I realize that soccer doesn't have the same opportunities to sell advertising as the traditional American sports do. There are no TV timeouts, no stops in the action, no "we'll be back after this". So you have signs along the sidelines, you have logos next to the clock on TV, and you have jersey sponsors. The reported numbers are $3.7 million a year. That is a big number, and it is more than I thought DC Untied would get. It dwarfs the current salary cap number.

I will reserve final judgement until I see the design. I would imagine it would debut next Thursday on the ESPN national TV game. It has to be either a white or red logo on the black background and a black or red logo on the white background I would think. I am having a tough time picturing a circular logo on the jersey after the Adidas triple horizontal stripes.

But as Robert C. Gallagher said, "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine."

2008-04-30T10:10:00.005-04:00

Game 5 - DC United 4:1 Real Salt Lake

So I managed to avoid seeing the score of this game during the time I was on vacation and was able to watch it on tape. As always, I don't look at anyone other blogs or articles before writing up my review, so I apologize if my comments are redundant.

I liked the formation. Not sure about giving the new kid Stratford the start in midfield, but it looks like Soehn wanted to give him some minutes, and I bet he has been great in training sessions and this was a reward. Quaranta should remain in the right midfield role at least until Olsen returns and if the formation remains 3-5-2, maybe Olsen is returned to defensive midfield. Gallardo, Emilio, and Moreno worked very well together with Quaranta and Fred/Burch working the wings. Even Namoff and Martinez made several runs into the box which I have been waiting for defenders to do for years. I would still like to see Moreno in the midfield but I'll take this formation for the next few weeks to see how it progresses.

I was not at all happy with Wells. He seemed indecisive and poorly positioned. He made one excellent reflex save, but was several yards away from a bushel of near misses. And one play particularly vexed me. On the free kick from the top of the box which hit the post, he didn't even make an attempt. I want to see the goalie dive for it even if it is a futile attempt. Let's see some effort out there. And I hope D gave the referee full marks for this game. Best officiated game I have seen this year.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) B

Excellent use of his body to shield the defender and earn the penalty. He seemed a bit better at the post up but still not great. Moreno was his menacing best. Keeping possession, making good passes and converting his penalty kicks. I could do without the heart attack chip shot, but as long as he continues to convert, he's my guy at the spot.

Midfielders (Gallardo, Simms, Fred, Quaranta, and Stratford) B+

Simms seemed a bit off during the first half. Uncharacteristic bad passes, losing shape, and out of position. I think it was probably how badly Stratford was playing, but I was still surprised by it. Stratford was obviously a bit overwhelmed and was justifiably removed. I think he'll be fine, but he was all over the place and not accomplishing anything. Fred goes down with what looked like a quad bruise. But he and Quaranta looked very nice on the wings. Gallardo had his best game this year and both his and Tino's goals were things of beauty. However, Gallardo's has goal of the year potential. Wow.

Defenders (Namoff, Martinez, Peralta, and Wells) B-

I liked the runs they made. I liked the covering for each other. I liked the toughness. I liked the good decisions they made. I hated the goal tending.

Substitutes (Burch, Dyachenko, and Kirk) A-

Excellent work by this group. I still don't like Burch in the midfield. he has no right foot and his crosses aren't very accurate. But is an emergency situation, he played very well. Dyachenko did well to push the attack and allow Gallardo to play closer to the goal. Kirk got his feet wet. I want to see some more from him.

2008-04-26T18:40:00.002-04:00

Game 5 - DC United vs Real Salt Lake

JCM is on vacation and will post a review when he returns this week.

Prediction:

DC United 3:1 Real Salt Lake

2008-04-18T11:59:00.004-04:00

Game 4 - DC United 1:2 Columbus Crew

Apologies for not posting a preview of this game. I had one
half finished, then work got busy and I spaced on finishing it. Sorry

I am worried. I wasn't this worried last year when DC United started with three losses and a tie in the first four games. Then I was thinking, new coach, new players, give them a month and we'll see what happens. Now I am thinking same coach, two home games, a road game against the awful RSL, and some more new players. There have been two shutouts and another one goal game. There has been better defense, and there has been an inconsistent offense. Why do I feel worse? Why do I feel like there isn't going to be a huge turn around? Why do I feel the depth issues are as bad or worse as last year? Is it all Ben Olsen? Is it Gomez' absence? Or Perkins? Man for man, I like this starting roster more than last year's. Peralta and Martinez are better central defenders than Boswell and Vanney were. What are the problems?

Emilio is not a post up forward. He cannot play with a man on his back, and another closing in from the side. He will invariably cough up the ball. Most of the time he can't control the ball so it stays at his feet. It bounces away and the defense takes possession.
Too much offense has been flowing through McTavish. His skill set is not developed enough to distribute the ball forward. Balls on the ground are not precise enough or not given the proper weight. Crosses are balloon balls which give the defense too much time to recover and disrupt the play.
Not enough runs into the box. United's offense seems to be build from the back and then pass around the outside of the penalty box until someone wins a corner or gives up the ball. For a team that went like two years between corner kick goals, that is not a winning strategy.
Quaranta should be starting until Olsen returns. This seems so obvious. Keep Burch and McTavish out of the midfield. Put Santino up top and Jamie in the midfield. How about playing Jamie in the middle and Gallardo in the "Donovan" USMNT position? A little up and a little right. Let Namoff play a little forward to fill the space with Martinez on his side to compensate when he runs forward.
Atrocious gambles and goals in the box. Both goals this week were the result of bad marking and bad goalie positioning. There is no virtue in playing great defense for eighty-eight minutes and two minutes of kiddie league tactics.

Look, it isn't all doom an gloom. If the referee had called either of the obvious penalty fouls, it would have been a completely different game. But I am less optimistic than I can remember, maybe since 2003.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) C-

Very little possession from these two. When they were in position, they didn't make good decisions.

Midfielders (Fred, Gallardo, McTavish, and Simms) B-

Just an average game from this group. I still don't like McTavish in the midfield. Fred was good, but not great. Gallardo worked very hard but kept trying to get the ball to Emilio when he was posting up. A whole lot of effort with not much in the way of results.

Defenders (Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, Burch, and Wells) D

Terrible communication between goalie and defenders. Martinez and Wells were yelling at each other at one point. The two goals were comical and a third took a remarkable save from Wells to prevent.

Substitutes (Niell, Dyachenko, and Quaranta) B

Not bad from this group. Dyachenko showed good ball handling and vision. Quaranta was involved in trying to get the equalizer and Niell didn't throw up all over himself. He did whiff on his one good chance, though.

2008-04-13T00:54:00.008-04:00

Game 3 - DC United 0:4 Real Salt Lake

Oh, holy shit! This was the worst performance by a DC United team since the 4-0 shellacking in the playoffs by Chicago in 2005. There was nothing redeeming about it. Nothing. The goal tending was crap. The defending was worse. The midfielders couldn't pass to the forwards. The forwards couldn't make good runs. We will never speak of this game again.

This is two years in a row that United has started the backup keeper in Salt Lake City. Why do that on turf when you are also sitting Gallardo and Martinez? I said it last year after the RSL road game, and I'll say it again, starting every game shouldn't be a problem for a goalie with no injury issues. This isn't hockey. And wasn't Rod Dyachenko pulled from the game for his awful play at RSL? Yes, he was pulled in the 44th minute and wasn't injured. Nice choice, Tom, to put him in there. Maybe he doesn't play well on this type of field? Hmmm?

The only thing you can say in United's defense is that it was played on that god-forsaken artificial turf which causes the ball to travel at warp speed. It removes 3% of the bad taste. The 97% that remains is enough to make you want to take a shower. And don't forget, that makes two straight shutouts on the road. Dammit! Why are United the only team in the league who can't beat RSL in Utah.

Grades

Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and Substitutes F

2008-04-11T15:26:00.003-04:00

Preview of Game 3 - DC United at Real Salt Lake

DC United, 1-0-1 (W-D-L), head to Utah to take on Real Salt Lake. DC United won last week 4-1 over Toronto FC. DC United lost their only road game 2-0 at Kansas City. United are tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference (1.50 PPG), 3 points behind Kansas City and New England (2.00 PPG) with a game in hand. Kansas City and New England are also in first place in the Supporter's Shield race with United tied for 6th.

Real Salt Lake, 0-1-1 (W-D-L), have not shown much improvement this season. They have allowed six goals in the first two games this season and only netted three themselves. They are tied for 5th place in the Western Conference (0.50 PPG), three points behind Chivas USA and in 11th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United will be without Ben Olsen again, but otherwise should have the full compliment of players. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Quaranta, Gallardo, Fred, McTavish, Simms, Namoff, Burch, Martinez, Peralta, and Wells in a 4-4-2 formation. Moreno, Dyachanko, and Niell all should get in during the second half. Look for Emilio and Fred to get on the goal sheet.

Prediction:

DC United 3:1 Real Salt Lake

2008-04-10T10:14:00.007-04:00

Round 2, Leg 2 - DC United 2:1 Pachuca

Pachuca advances 3:2

I sit about even with the top of the six yard box on the gravel end of the stadium. So sometimes my perspective is influenced by what happens right in front of me. Rarely does the in stadium replay help in deciphering whether what my eyes tell me happened actually happened. I'll give you two examples:

My eyes told me that Emilio was butchered after misplaying the ball in the box right in front of me. Penalty! I read on Soccer Insider that Emilio says the player got the ball first and even though it looked like a dangerous play and I think clearly would have been a foul outside of the box, it did not deserve a penalty. Huh.
At the other end of the field, my eyes told me that Fred had a clear chance on goal but was pushed off the ball. Penalty? This one apparently deserved one due to a shirt pull I couldn't see and still haven't. Damn RFK MicroTron scoreboard.

It is really difficult sometimes to know whether or not a referee is blowing the game. I try so very hard not to blame the refs, but MLS makes that extremely difficult with the inconsistencies from week to week on how the game is called. My biggest beef last night was the yellow card on Emilio. Never have I seen a more obvious example of an official determining that he was going to give a card to a player the next time he did anything questionable and then not even get that right. Emilio leaned against a Pachuca player looking up for the ball. He didn't use his arms or elbows, he didn't even push the Pachuca player off his spot. He simply leaned with his rear while trying to get position. Needless to say, I wasn't hopeful for a well called game after that. It wasn't the regular MLS horror show, but it was inconsistent.

I really like the 3-5-2- lineup. I think Moreno's best position is withdrawn forward or attacking midfielder. If Martinez can play on the right side of the defense, DC United might have a viable alternative formation. And this isn't a knock on Burch. Just a more offensive formation. When Benny comes back (soon I hope), that would be a pretty potent lineup. McTavish was the weak link. Too many times the offensive buildup ended with a bad pass off his foot. He has a tendency to loft passes into the offensive third giving the defense time to get under the ball. He wasn't bad, just not the player I want to run the offense through. Pachuca clearly decided to find Fred and Gallardo and mark them closely, so that left the right side as the path of least resistance. Fred and McTavish switched sides a few times to try and throw the defense off, but it didn't seem to make a difference.

Gallardo was very good controlling the ball and distributing it. His free kicks/corners were not great, but I hope that is just my own comparison with Gomez and Etcheverry. Not every player who wears #10 will be able to put it in the upper corners from twenty-five yards out. Martinez continues to impress and Wells had two excellent saves. Peralta was a step slow, but against arguably the best team in North America. Niell was fine, but his goal was offset by his inability to do anything when he gets possession. He won't shoot or pass. He just holds on until he is dispossessed. But, all credit for taking the one timer and scoring. Gallardo had a similar chance a little earlier, but instead tried to improve his angle and ended up not getting a shot off. Sometimes you just need to put the ball on net.

Was it just me or were there a ridiculous amount of deflected crosses? It seemed that every attempt at a cross from the wing was blocked by the defence before it went ten feet. Just great defense by Pachuca.

Overall, this felt like a 1-1 game, but given the quality of the opponent, I'll take it.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Quaranta) B-

Emilio didn't have his best game. He was put in position to make something happen and just didn't have the ability to convert his chances. Quaranta was adequate. He was well positioned and even tracked way back to play some defense when the positioning got way out of whack. He looked like David Stokes backpedaling and stalling for time (I honestly think he would have continued all the way to the end line if the Pachuca player hasn't passed), but I appreciate the effort.

Midfielders (Gallardo, Fred, Moreno, Simms, and McTavish) B+

A good game from this group. Moreno was effective for about 75 minutes and I think it was a direct result of not having to make the long runs down field. He and Gallardo seemed to mesh well together in the middle with Simms playing stopper behind them. I want to see more of this formation.

Defenders (Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, and Wells) A-

The goal was more a result of pressing for the score rather than a defensive lapse. Excellent game from this crew.

Substitutes (Niell, Burch, and Dyachenko) A

Two goals from this group. What more can you ask for?

One final comment about Greg Garber's comments about DC United not doing well in these tournaments.

Shut up, Greg!

2008-04-09T15:37:00.003-04:00

Round 2, Leg 2 - DC United vs Pachuca

Not much to say other than United needs to play a perfect game. Pachuca wants this as shown by their resting players this past weekend. United trails 2-0 and away goals don't matter.

I expect the starting lineup to be Moreno, Emilio, Gallardo, Quaranta, Simms, Fred, Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, Burch, and Wells.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 Pachuca

Pachuca advances 3:1 on aggregate.

2008-04-09T15:23:00.003-04:00

Game 2 - DC United 4:1 Toronto FC

When the game was 3-0, I thought that it had the feel of a 4-0 game. United was dominating possession, the defense was stout, the offense was creating dangerous chances, and Toronto looked like a team which was beginning their second season and had great difficulties on the road. The two goals to start the game were a great sign, and just before the red card we were thinking in our section that the only way things could get worse for TFC would be to go a man down. Then they did. So on came the subs in the second half. Niell was awful again. I'm thinking he will go down with the likes of Filomeno, Guppy, and Donnet. Gallardo on the other hand looked great. I love the long balls over the top. Not your typical MLS prayer, but tactical decisions based on the positioning of the opposition. If he grows his hair a little longer, I might start having El Diablo flashbacks, but with a better shot.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Quaranta) A-

I liked the Quaranta up top and Moreno in the midfield experiment. I want to see more of it.

Midfielders (Gallardo, Fred, Simms, and McTavish) B+

Once Olsen makes his way back on the field, United should really have a potent lineup and quality depth on the bench.

Defenders (Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, Burch, and Wells) A-

Excellent work by this group.

Substitutes (Moreno, Niell, and Dyachenko) B-

Moreno actually stole the ball from Niell just before he scored because he was taking too much time. When Moreno thinks you are stalling in the box, that's saying something.

2008-04-04T13:22:00.005-04:00

Preview of Game 2 - DC United vs Toronto FC

DC United welcomes Toronto FC to town this weekend looking get back on track after consecutive shutouts on the road to Kansas City and Pachuca. United was great at home last season with a 9-2-2 record (W-D-L). DC are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind Chicago with a game in hand.

Toronto FC had an anemic offence last season which they hope will improve this year. They set the league record with an 824 minute scoreless streak. TFC are a horrible road team, with a 1-4-10 record and a -23 goal differential. Like DC United, Toronto has no points after their 2-0 loss last weekend at Columbus.

I expect United to play the same roster they used against Pachuca: Emilio, Niell, Fred, Gallardo, McTavish, Simms, Burch, Peralta, Martinez, Namoff, and Wells. My guess is that Moreno will be saved for the Pachuca game next Wednesday. I also expect the top subs to remain Quaranta, Mediate, and Dyachenko.

Prediction:

DC United 2:0 Toronto FC

2008-04-04T09:12:00.011-04:00

Nationals Stadium

Not a soccer post. Just a very long rant.

I've lived in the DC Metro area my entire life. A few things go along with that. I expect to run into traffic whenever I go out. It might be 1 AM on a Tuesday, but there might be a five mile backup on the Beltway. I know this and adjust my expectations accordingly. Another thing is diplomatic plates. If I see them, I try to give them a wide berth. I know they probably don't have insurance. If there is an accident, it's on me to get my car fixed even if it wasn't my fault. I think most long time residents have first or second hand knowledge of a fender bender or worse with a car with diplomatic plates. Comes with the territory. A third thing is the tourist, especially at this time of year. I work just off the Mall and at this time of year, the Metros are crawling with high school students visiting DC from all over the country, families seeing the cherry blossoms, and foreigners with their cameras. None of these things bother me. It's part of being a Washingtonian. It would be like a New Yorker hating all the cabs, or someone from Los Angeles hating Hollywood. Doesn't make any sense.

There is something else that is part of being a Washingtonian, and it is The Washington Post. I've read it my whole life. It is one of the dominant papers in the country, maybe number two behind the NY Times. I get it everyday and have my whole life. I love the Sports page. I devour the editorials. However, the Style section is getting on my nerves, specifically the critics: movies, television (except for Lisa de Moraes, love her), and now architecture. If you haven't read the recent review of the new Nationals Stadium, it is a prime example of what really bothers me. So please excuse me while I dissect this review.

It is a machine for baseball and for sucking the money out of the pockets of people who like baseball, and it makes no apologies about its purely functional design...As people circulate through the stadium's public spaces, where beer can cost $7.50 and the cheapest hot dog is $4.50, the human traffic flow unifies the two central purposes of the building: baseball and the fleecing of baseball audiences. This circulating motion wrings money out of you like wet laundry on the spin cycle.

Sorry, the two central purposes of the stadium are to generate income for the owners (and the city by way of taxes on food and tickets) and to provide a place for the public to watch a baseball game. There is no fleecing. To fleece someone is to swindle or cheat them. While the public may be unhappy about their tax dollars being used to build the stadium in the first place, you cannot fleece someone by overcharging them for something they aren't forced to buy. Otherwise, car dealerships would be guilty fleecing anyone who pays full sticker price. If you don't want to buy a $4.50 hotdog or a $7.50 beer, eat and drink before you come to the stadium. And weren't we talking about the design of the stadium?

Although much has been made of its wonderful views of the iconic Washington skyline, it is an inward-focused building, with the field at its center, and rings of concession stands around the edges hiding external views in most places. Even on the inviting open-air corridor of the third level, where people of normal economic means can buy seats without dipping into their kids' college funds, food stalls and bathrooms block what might have been a wonderful view of the Anacostia River.

Really, a baseball stadium is inward focusing? You mean people might want to be able to see the field when walking around the concourse? The game being what they paid to see, I think that a halfway decent argument could be made that it was a choice the designers made to make the field the most important area visitors should be able to see. And how might we accomplish that task? I know, put all the food stalls, bathrooms, offices, and such in places where they won't come between the fans and the field. What a concept. Oh, and we can make specific areas where people who want to take advantage of the location and height of the building can see the beautiful DC vistas, which are viewable for free from the top of the Washington Monument and the Kennedy Center.

The old and much-maligned RFK Stadium, where the Nationals played the past three seasons, might be a better building -- more visual interest, more presence on its prominent site, and a better mix of modern style with the city's vernacular gravitas...RFK Stadium at least looks like a stadium, with a classic shape that recalls noble precursors back to the Roman Colosseum.

This is the most laughable argument the writer makes. RFK reminds him of the Roman Colosseum? On what planet? RFK Stadium was placed in the edge of an established neighborhood which goes back centuries. My ancestors owned a shop about six blocks from the stadium site seventy years before the stadium was built. The Nationals stadium is one of the first building built near the Navy Yard in decades. RFK's presence was "downtown stadium", much like Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. In a baseball configuration, the stands were far from the field, nothing at field level in the outfield, because it was a multi-purpose stadium. Baseball specific stadia look like baseball stadia because form doesn't trump function. A modern baseball stadium puts a premium on getting fans as close to the field as possible. Also, they aren't completely enclosed. The outfield usually opens up to the city beyond for a reason. Football and soccer stadia are usually enclosed because the action can take place at any point on the field. So one corner is the same as the opposite one. At a baseball stadium, seats near the dugouts are clearly superior to ones out by the bullpens. Therefore, the design will be different because the needs are different. Decide on the number of seats you want, in this case just under 42,000, and then put them in the best locations possible, Roman Colosseum be damned.

Although it is positioned on one of the most symbolically significant and potentially beautiful axes of the city, aligned with the Capitol and next to the Anacostia River, it all but fades into the landscape.

A landscape that will be changing dramatically over the next decade. And if you look at the approach from Half Street, I dare you to say it fades into the landscape.
Two disastrously situated parking garages -- reserved for high-paying ticketholders -- obscure the front entrance, and its other three sides present a bland face to the world.

Newsflash, a stadium requires parking. Oriole Park, remember the one with all the presence, has parking structures just outside the stadium. There is also a bland convention center across the street. None of it detracts from the obvious beauty of the stadium. And don't get me started on the off ramps from I-95. Couldn't they have been beautified in the name of aesthetics? What's another $250 million to make the stadium 3% nicer to look at from a few specific angles? Money grows on trees right?

Yet there is nothing particular about baseball, except how it is structured financially, that precludes first-rate, daring and exhilarating architectural form. Ballparks look like shopping malls -- functional, cheap and cluttered with branding -- because the cities that build them are forced to design structures that will maximize the profits of baseball owners. Architectural seriousness is not among the priorities.

This one he has half right, but all wrong. Ballparks are like shopping malls. They are buildings which are made to be visited by the public. Inside them, there are very functional things the public expects, bathrooms, food, signs, elevators, and escalators. Therefore, if you are looking for similarities, you will see them. However, Macy's isn't going to build a pitching mound in the middle of it's men's department and the Nationals aren't going to be building a movie theater in center field. And the exterioirs are somewhat similar because what's important happens inside, so therefore, the focus and the money was spent there.

And so the dreary list goes on. The interior spaces, accessible only to the public that can afford more expensive seats, are covered in carpeting that looks as if it came out of a Courtyard by Marriott. The private boxes are so generic in their fittings and finish, they remind one of the inside of a recreational vehicle. Look out of one of the elevator lobbies on the top ring and you see the exposed mechanicals on the roof of the team's corporate offices, a forest of metal junk.

What a wity line. Courtyard by Marriott. Brilliant. Wait, I'm never going to see the inside of a Presidential Suite. What do I care if the fittings and finish are bland? And where exactly are the mechanicals supposed to be located? Ground level? Here's an idea, take a look at the tops of any other building in the DC area and tell me if the air conditioners aren't located on the top of the building. And he's worried about the view from the elevator lobby on the top level. God, this guy is an idiot.

All that for $611 million in public money. We have been trained to treat our sports teams, the industry behind them and the architecture that contains them with a grim sense of fatalism. Of course stadiums must be bigger. Of course the social space of an egalitarian sport will be distorted into a rigorous hierarchy of wealth and exclusivity. Of course the building will be crude and functional and inspire no one from the outside.

This is a medium sized stadium, around 10,000 seats smaller than RFK. For bigger is better, go bother Dan Snyder.

It is also a colossal symbolic failure with national and international import. At a time when the United States is losing a global argument about freedom and democracy, when China and countries along the Persian Gulf are proving to an attentive developing world that top-down leadership is the best and most efficient route to prosperity, the capital of the so-called free world built a monument to its national pastime that gets a C-plus.
It passes, barely. But as sports lovers know, sports is never just sports. And architecture, especially in a world capital, is never just architecture. Nationals Park might be a better experience than RFK, but it fails to say anything larger to the city, or the world.

"Look people, we are at war. Our stadia need to be beacons of freedom to the rest of the world. If you don't agree with me, you are supporting terrorists. Dictators are the way to go. By the way, I happen to be available for the job should it become open. I would deliver a A+ stadium. Just give me absolute power. I'll take care of making your city beautiful. All it costs you is your liberty." Nice argument. You almost had me. You, Philip Kennicott, are a moron.

2008-04-02T00:01:00.004-04:00

Round 2, Leg 1 - DC United 0:2 Pachuca

A couple of streaks continue. DC United still hasn't won a game in Mexico, and DC United has been shutout in back to back games. It's games like this that make me believe that there should be stricter altitude rules. DC United was equal to the task through the first two thirds of the game. However, with about thirty minutes to go, United suddenly was unable to maintain possession. Some awful passes resulted in lengthy Puchuca ball control and the inevitable goal eventually came. Maybe Wells took his eyes off the ball to try and anticipate the cross he thought was coming, but it was just a great shot. The second goal looked to be a bad job of marking by Gonzolo Martinez. The Gonzolos had a good game, but here, Martinez simply seemed to lose track of his man.

A one goal loss would have been admirable and perhaps fortunate. A two goal loss was deserved.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Niell) C

Unable to maintain possession and Emilio seemed a step slow all night. I never thought they were close to scoring. Were there any shots on goal?

Midfielders (Fred, Gallardo, Simms, and McTavish) B-

A mixed bag here. Fred had a good game. I think he was the best DC player. McTavish was ineffective. Simms was average. Gallardo was good, he was just a bit off in his timing with his forwards.

Defenders (Namoff, Martinez, Peralta, Burch, and Wells) C+

An uneven performance. Some nice defending would be negated by a clearance directly to a Pachuca midfielder.

Substitutes (Quaranta, Dyachenko, and Mediate) C

Nothing remarkable other than Santinos memorable slip which allowed a dangerous possession to end with a whimper.

2008-04-01T20:20:00.004-04:00

Preview of Round 2, Leg 1 - DC United at Pachuca

Everyone knows the statistic: DC United has never won a game in Mexico. I know it, you know it, the players know it, Pachuca knows it, Alexander Ovechkin knows it, Barack Obama knows it, even my ninety year old grandfather knows it. So why bother showing up? It's a foregone conclusion, right? United will get a tie or go up a goal at home and then will come up short on the road. We've seen it before many times. So, forget it. Send in the scrubs. Concentrate on the regular season. Focus on the...What's that? United gets the second leg at home? Well then. That's different. And Moreno's back? That's great! Go for it guys. We'll see you when you get back.

Prediction:

DC United 1:2 Pachuca

2008-04-01T19:38:00.003-04:00

Game 1 - DC United 0:2 Kansas City Wizards

I am going to be honest, I fell asleep a few times during the broadcast of this game. I had gone to the Nationals-O's exhibition game and when I settled into watch the DC United game, I was pretty tired. I made it about 15 minutes and fell asleep. I woke up after halftime and it was 1-0. I rewound the DVR and watched the goal. I then watched the last twenty minutes which was some pretty entertaining soccer. I'm not sure about all the offisides calls. It was really tough to tell with the camera angles they had. It sure looked like United got the raw end of the deal, but who knows.

No grades this week as I only saw about half the game.

2008-03-28T10:27:00.004-04:00

Preview of Game 1 - DC United at Kansas City Wizards

DC United travels to Kansas City to kick off the MLS Season XIII. United looks to start this year off on a more positive note than they did last year. United managed only one point from their first four games, yet managed to recover their form and win the Supporter's Shield. DC had a loss and a tie against Kansas City last season being outscored 5-3. United's road record was 6-4-5 and they had a +7 goal differential.

Kansas City were a decent home team last season with a 7-3-5 record and a +4 goal differential. The Wizards finished the season tied for 4th place in the Eastern Conference.

Jamie Moreno is recovering from his hamstring injury suffered during the first half of the first lag against Harbour View, Ben Olsen has not been cleared to play, and Rod Dyachenko is serving a red card suspension earned from being sent off during the playoff game against Chicago. United looked very good against Harbour View. I think the central defense will be best it has been since 2004. The bench is deeper as well with several players who are ready to play now, not looking for minutes to get them ready for the furure. Competition for starting spots should be intense in practice and with the heavy schedule, Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Fred, and Olsen will be given a game off every now and then to keep them fresh for the end of the year. I expect the starting eleven this week to be: Emilio, Neill, Gallardo, Simms, Fred, McTavish, Martinez, Peralta, Namoff, Burch, and Wells. For comparison, this was the line up from the final game of the season against Chicago: Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll, Simms, Namoff, Vanney, McTavish, Burch, and Perkins. So six players return and five new ones join. That's quite a turnover.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 Kansas City Wizards

2008-03-26T11:41:00.003-04:00

A Look into the Future

I've been trying to figure out what would constitute a successful season for DC United this year. A part of me thinks that this could be a year when it takes until July or August to figure out how all the new parts fit together. But I can't help thinking that what we saw in the home leg against Harbour View shows that things could coalesce much earlier than that. So, the question becomes "Is DC United a Championship Caliber team?" Tough to answer given that the championship is decided in a playoff. So, how about "Will DC United retain the Supporter's Shield?" Now that's a question you can sink your teeth into. I've been fascinated the last two years with the end of season permutations on what amount of points will win it. Fifty-five points was the magic number the last two years over thirty games. Sixty-four won it in 2005, but in thirty-two games with two Western Conference expansion teams. Forty-nine won it in 2004. So I looked at the average number of points awarded per game and the number is somewhere between 2.69 and 2.82. The only other constant has been that expansion teams are awful in their first two seasons. So, I started there.

San Jose is in their first season and Toronto FC is in their second. Neither should break thirty points and San Jose will probably be around twenty. Then I divided the other twelve teams into two groups, contenders and pretenders. I came up with five contenders (DC, New England, Houston, LA, and Chivas) and seven pretenders (Dallas, New York, Chicago, Colorado, Kansas City, Columbus, and Salt Lake). I put them in order of finish and handed out the points as they tend to be distributed. Here is what I came up with.

DC United 55
Houston 54
New England 53
LA Galaxy 50
Chivas USA 47
Dallas 46
New York 44
Chicago 42
Colorado 41
Kansas City 38
Real Salt Lake 36
Columbus 33
Toronto 29
San Jose 20

Like fourteen wins in the NFL, 100 wins in baseball, and sixty wins in basketball, if you get to fifty-five points in MLS, you have a better than even chance of winning the Supporter's Shield. That is a 1.83 point per game pace. To maintain that pace, you can break down the season into five groups of six games. In each group you need to average eleven points or three wins, two ties, and one loss. So let's see where DC United and the rest of MLS is after six games.

2008-03-25T12:02:00.004-04:00

Leg Two - DC United 5:0 Harbour View FC

United advances 6-1

Okay, a very late recap of this game. I wasn't at the game due to a birthday coinciding with the game of a person related to me by marriage (can't skip out on your wife's birthday), and I didn't actually see the game until the next night. At that point most everything has been hashed and rehashed. It was nice to see the offense light it up. It was better to see McTavish play the role of Kaka. What was best was how quickly and dramatically the new players (Gallardo, the Gonzolos, Wells, and Niell) have integrated into the team and are also applying their own flair and style. DC United is now big in the central defense, faster up top, and just as creative in the middle. Was is just me or were there more quality runs behind the defense in that one game than in a month of last season? McTavish, Emilio, Niell, and Fred were all anticipating passes rather than chasing after them. Good sign of things to come. So, let's all get ready for the MLS opener this weekend. Preview should be up by Friday.

2008-03-13T12:12:00.004-04:00

Leg One - DC United 1:1 Harbour View

Well, that was a boring game. I love my soccer and this was the first game of the year, but after a really boring first half, I found my attention wandering in t he final fifteen minutes. And isn't that interesting, so did the defense. It's hard to formulate my thoughts into a coherent analysis since so many different things were happening, so I will tackle what I feel were the major questions entering the game and see if I think any answers were given or alluded to...

Gallardo as the new #10 was as expected. He clearly doesn't have the same skill set at Gomez, and he isn't as familiar with the DC United system. However, his on the ball skills were apparent. He seems to hang a bit further back than Gomez did and will try more long balls from midfield, much like another former #10 did, Etcheverry. One of his dead ball strikes was really nice, and he seemed to have the creative eye any team would want. So I am pleased with his first game.
The Gonzolos as the central defenders. They are big boys, huh? I like that. They don't seem particularly fast, but with proper positioning, that can be mitigated. After a very nice, easy first sixty-five minutes, things began to get more interesting and the corner kick equalizer was part hand ball, part poor marking. I'm not sure who was at fault, but no one was in the middle with two Harbour View players and no one was on the far post.
Zach Wells in goal. Well he sure plays a different game from Perkins. I had no problem with him at all, he just seems to be more at home on his line with crosses and takes fewer chances. He did come out to jump on balls at the top of the box a few times and seemed to be fearless when he does decide to come out.
The uniforms will take some getting used to. The front seems like a black hole. I have to assume there will be a sponsor by midseason to fill all of that space.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) B-

Midfielders (Fred, Gallardo, Simms, McTavish) B

Defenders (Namoff, Burch, Martinez, Peralta, and Wells) B

Substitutes (Niell and Stratford) B+

2008-03-12T12:03:00.010-04:00

Preview of Leg 1 - DC United at Harbour View

DC United opens the 2008 campaign with a road match in Jamaica against a familiar foe in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, a North and Central American club tournament. United was able to dispatch Harbour View three years ago, 4-2, but fell in the next round. This season, DC United may start five new players who were not with the team last season. How quickly the attack and defense jell and how the midfield is able to connect the two will determine how successful United is between now and the end of April. There will be two new central defenders, the Gonzolos, a new #10, a new goalie, and Olsen is out. It's possible the Moose will get time, but from what I have read, he is on the outs with the coaching staff, possibly not being on the eighteen man roster once the season starts. Quaranta however, should get a major look in the next ten weeks and probably has passed Moose on the depth chart. I also expect Niell to play a lot during the first half of the season, perhaps averaging forty-five minutes a game and alternating starts with Moreno to keep him Jamie fresh.

I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gallardo, Fred, Simms, Quaranta, Namoff, Peralta, Martinez, Burch, and Wells. Look for Niell, McTavish and Kirk to get time in the second half.

You can find the DCenters preview of the game here.

Prediction:

DC United 2:2 Harbour View

2008-03-02T18:48:00.005-05:00

Welcome to MLS, Philadelphia

And Philly makes sixteen. MLS has confirmed the long rumored Philadelphia expansion franchise will begin play in the 2010 season.

So, to our soccer loving brethren to the north, I say "Congratulations! You can join the rest of the teams in Pennsylvania which I hate. I can't wait to make road trips to your soccer specific stadium and be jealous that you have one and DC United doesn't. See, I hate you already."

2008-02-14T09:17:00.007-05:00

Movement at Poplar Point on Stadium

According to this morning's Washington Post, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty has proposed using public funds to build a stadium for DC United on Poplar Point that may cost as much as $190 million. Now this is unexpected. The feelings here were that there would be no news on a stadium until the newness of the yet to be opened Nationals Stadium had worn off and the "one thing at a time" DC Council could be pointed in a new direction. I am glad to be proven wrong. It appears that a winner has been chosen to develop the site, Clark Realty Capital of Bethesda (yeah, Bethesda!) and their design includes space for a stadium next to the centrally located park.

So what does this mean to United? Not much for now. This signals the beginning of the next round of negotiations between the mayor's office, the City Council, and DC United. At best, a stadium could be ready for the 2011 season, but most likely 2012 or 2013. United would be smart to continue talking to Prince George's County to keep the pressure on Fenty to not get distracted, and "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry also should keep up his shouting campaign which seems to have been very effective.

All in all, good news and a positive step. But it is far from a completed deal. And I have to say, I am partial to the Poplar Point site being that it is in the name of this blog and all. I'm just sayin'...

EDIT: D at the DCenters posted his thoughts within minutes of my post. Here are his thoughts, although it was on B4 of my paper, not A1. He must get the "Soccer Edition" of The Post at his house.

2008-02-11T14:17:00.000-05:00

MLS Behind the Curve Again

A look at the 2008 schedule released by MLS shows a few interesting things. Most obvious is there will be no league games for DC United during the month of July. None. Also, there will be a midseason ABC national TV game against the LA Galaxy. It's a noon start, too. There are more Saturday night games as opposed to noticeable the lack of them last season, especially after the All Star game. That will be well reflected in better attendance. But, the most interesting and inexplicable wrinkle is the scheduling of games on and around FIFA international dates. The official dates are June 7-29, August 20, September 6-10, October 11-15, and November 19. Other than the June window which is unavoidable, the rest of the dates should and could be scheduled around. United plays on August 20 at New England, on September 6 at San Jose, and on October 12 at Houston. The August 20th match is the only Wednesday match in August. Any other Wednesday would have been fine. The September 6 match and October 12 matches also could have been moved up a few days to either Wednesday or Thursday games. Instead, inferior soccer will be played all over MLS as the best North American players will be pulled away from their MLS sides for CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. European qualifying begins in September and South American qualifying begins in October. Well done, Don Garber. Yet another master stroke of refusing to look forward. Instead, continue to react and explaining later when the inevitable complaints begin. And complain they will.

2008-01-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

Hello. My Name Is...

So who is left? Moreno is back along with Emilio. Benny, Clyde, and Fred return as well. So do Namoff, McTavish, and Burch. That is eight returning players who were starters for the second half of the season. Not all of them are guaranteed starters, though. It is conceivable that there will be five or six new starters on opening day or shortly thereafter. Remember, even though Fred was clearly one of the top eleven last April, he didn't crack the starting lineup for about six weeks.

And who are the men who are set to take their positions in DC United's starting lineup? A flock of South Americans, that's who. There are a three Argentinians, a Colombian, and a Peruvian. A forward, a midfielder, two defenders, and a goalie. I've seen in several places that there is an open competition for goalie, the two defenders are likely to start in central defense and Gallardo is the new #10. And who would object to seeing Moreno alternate playing the first sixty minutes one game and being a sub in the next game? Of course, this all depends on the quality of talent that is being brought in. Last year was quite successful with the Brazilians. But Filomeno and Donnet? Not so much.

And what about Christian Gomez? Looks like the hero of 2004 and the MVP of 2006 will be moving on, possibly to another MLS team. D at The DCenters doubts that Gomez qualifies as a United Legend. I tossed around this subject with a post wondering why there was only one member (now two) in the DC United Tradition of Excellence, aka Hall of Fame. Jamie is a guarantee to join Marco and Harkes. Who deserves to join them? I think Pope is a lock, and Olsen is right behind him. And can you leave off Bruce Arena? That's my list: Moreno, Etcheverry, Harkes, Pope, Olsen, and Arena. Click the link for my arguments. Oh, and add two Supporter's Shields to Olsen's resume. I put Gomez in the same rank as Ryan Nelsen: excellent while they were here, but not enough years to get into the most exclusive group.

2007-12-15T00:27:00.000-05:00

Veron a No Go for Now

Turns out there was no there there. Veron isn't coming any time soon.

Here is my take: He wants to come but not until next summer. I am pretty sure I read that his team qualified for a tournament that will be played between now and June. I could see him reupping with his current team and then trying for a transfer. I see this as unlikely to work as United would have to pay a transfer fee. I honestly have no idea what United does now. It really looks like Moreno and Gomez are leaving. If they do, here is your DC United starting lineup:

Emilio, Kpene, Dyachenko, Olsen, Fred, Simms, Namoff, McTavish, Vanney, Burch, and Wells. The bench? Empty as far as I can tell.

Now repeat after me....

The front office knows what it is doing...The front office knows what it is doing...The front office knows what it is doing...The front office knows what it is doing...

2007-12-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Goodbye, Bozilla. Hello Veron?

I have to say, I'm a bit put out that Bobby Boswell has been traded. I think it's a clear loss if Perkins leaves, Boswell leaves and Zack Wells arrives. Maybe the transfer money will help sign Veron, but our suspect defense just got weaker. There is absolutely no depth now. All of the defenders are now starters. Namoff, Vanney, McTavish, and Burch are all fine independently, but I don't know if they add up to a cohesive backline. And with Gros doubtful for 2008, who on the roster could play if Namoff goes down for a few games? Or Vanney?

Now the whole Veron is coming! No he isn't! thing is getting old fast. If SI.com blew this it will look really bad for them. They even list Wednesday for the press conference. I am in favor of this signing. However, adding Veron and losing Gomez and maybe Moreno doesn't make DC United a better team. There has to be more. I anxiously await the completion of the 2007 offseason painting. I just hope it's a masterpiece. Right now it's finger paints by a preschooler.

2007-11-21T23:38:00.000-05:00

So Long, Brian

Well, I got my wish. Brian Carroll was left unprotected and was selected in the Expansion Draft by San Jose. While I have appreciated Carroll's effort, his lack of skill became more and more apparent over the last two years. Maybe in a different system he will be a more productive player. So good luck out west, Brian. You won't be missed here, but you were a part of a very exciting era in DC United's history, including an MLS Cup and two Supporter's Shields. So, that says something at least.

2007-11-09T11:14:00.001-05:00

Who Will Go?

With the San Jose Earthquakes reentering the league, there will be a dispersal draft. Each current MLS team will lose a player while being able to protect their top eleven. This got me thinking, who would I protect and why? So, here is my list of the eleven players I would protect, assuming all are under contract and are returning for next season. And I don't know what the rules are for developmental players, so I will assume they are available.

Luciano Emilio
Fred
Christian Gomez
Ben Olsen
Clyde Simms
Bryan Namoff
Troy Perkins
Marc Burch
Devon McTavish
Bobby Boswell
Justin Moose

So who does that leave unprotected?

Jamie Moreno
Greg Vanney
Rod Dyachenko
Josh Gros
Jamil Walker
Jay Nolly
Domenic Mediate
Guy-Roland Kpene
Stephen deRoux
Jeff Carroll
Brian Carroll
Nicholas Addlery
Bryan Arguez
Shawn Crowe
And a few other players you've never heard of who are on United's 40 man roster.

So the obvious question: How can DC leave Moreno unprotected? Honestly, I don't think San Jose would take him. Too injury prone, too old, too expensive. He is great for United and I hope he can play for a few more years. But, San Jose needs to be looking three to five years down the road and Jamie simply won't be playing that long. So who do I think San Jose would pick from this list? Rod Dyachenko. Who do I want them to pick? Brian Carroll. We'll see what happens.

I'll update the list as I learn more about the specifics of the rules.

2007-11-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

Playoff Game 2 - DC United 2:2 Chicago Fire
Chicago Advances on 3:2 Aggregate

I'm angry. My anger exists on many levels. I will try to calmly and clearly explain who I am angry at and why. A few notes: I haven't seen any replays except for what was on the stadium screen. I don't know who was pulled for poor play and who was injured. Any incorrect assumptions I make I apologize for in advance.

First, I am angry at Tom Soehn. The major reason I am angry at the coach is that the tactics he employed in the first game of this series put DC United in a terrible position. There is no way around it, he played for the tie in Chicago. When he didn't get it, DC had to chase the win in the second leg. This played exactly into what the Fire wants to do, counter attack. It is what Chicago did tonight, and when you are chasing goals against a good countering team, you can get into trouble fast. And tonight DC was in trailing-by-three-goals trouble.

Second, I am angry at DC United's midfielders. Christian Gomez has not been playing as well as he did last season and with the addition of Fred and Olsen's good play the DC United attack has moved from the center of the field to the wings. Bring it up the sidelines and cross to the middle. This worked well for about three months, but starting at the end of September the crosses started missing their targets. It seemed that everything either didn't make it over the first defender or went way over the top. Tonight was no different. An unbelievable amount of crosses were well off target.

Third I am angry at Marc Burch, Greg Vanney, and Bobby Boswell. It is inexcusable to allow man after man to run free through the line of defenders. I'm all for playing high and trying to run the offside trap. However, I am more for preventing goals. Those three were horrendous tonight and have been off for most of the season. Perkins has been tremendous this year and was better than his GAA, but these three have been playing a matador defense for a few months now.

Fourth, I am mad at the referee. Consistently inconsistent, that's the MLS referee mantra. No yellows in the first half, nothing called on multiple hand balls in the box by Chicago (I'm not the only one who saw them, right?), constant time wasting all game long. However, the first big call he makes is a questionable call in the box after Gomez puts in the series tying goal? Where was this guy all night? If he had been making the tough calls all along, I would have respect for his season-altering call. I might not agree with it, but I would respect it. But he didn't call any of the other tough ones, and there were multitudes.

Finally I am mad at MLS. Get rid of the home and home series. If Chicago can't finish in the top two in the conference, they don't get a home game. Find better referees. Hire them from Europe if necessary. The ones you have aren't getting the job done. Maybe if Beckham says it, Greg Garber will finally do something about it.

Grades:

Emilio (C) Not a great game, but again, he didn't get good service
Moreno (B-) A decent game, but not involved in anything that dangerous
Gomez (A-) Held on to the ball too long in the first 45. Amazing in the second 45.
Fred (B) Ran his rear off for 90 minutes.
Simms (B-) Terrible first half. Awesome goal.
Olsen (B-) Had his moments, but seemed more concerned with drawing fouls.
Vanney (D) Defense needs to be reworked this winter. I don't see him back.
Boswell (D+) Looked at fault on at least one of the goals.
Namoff (B) Again the best defender on the field.
Burch (D+) Looked like he was pulled for bad play, not tactics.
Perkins (A-) Did everything he could to keep United in it.
Dyachenko (A-) Assisted on both goals. Great game.
Addlery (C) Good effort, great positioning, awful finishing. Three whiffs?
McTavish (B) Pushed up well when United needed offense.

I am really upset about how the season ended. Three things need to be addressed in the offseason. The defense needs to be looked at and revamped, the bench needs bolstering, and a stadium needs to be finalized.

Have a great winter everyone. I'll post as DC United news seems appropriate.

2007-10-31T14:42:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-26T13:39:00.001-04:00

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.

2007-10-24T10:33:00.001-04:00

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 1 - DC United at Chicago Fire

Thursday, October 25 at 8:30 PM

TV: ESPN2 HD
Radio: 1160 AM

DC United travels to Chicago to open the MLS playoffs with a prime time national TV game. There is a long and one sided playoff history between these two clubs. Chicago has dominated the playoff series, outscoring United 10-0 over five games. Most recently, Chicago eliminated DC from the playoffs with a 4-0 shellacking at RFK stadium in 2005. You may remember that as the game when Christian Gomez lost his head and some spit and was red carded. I got into a debate with a friend about who United should be wary of and Chicago topped his list of teams to avoid if possible. I look at it as a way to right past wrongs. Chicago stood in the way of United winning the first four MLS Cups. Chicago has eliminated United three different times in the playoffs. In fact, United has only been eliminated from the playoffs four times, the other was by New England last year. Chicago won the 1998 MLS Cup against DC, they knocked out United in 2003 on a 4-0 aggregate, and the above mentioned 4-0 embarrassment after a 0-0 tie at Chicago in 2005. So, depending on how you look at it, United has a score to settle or is doomed. Are you a half empty or half full person?

DC finished the regular season with a 16-7-7 (W-D-L) record and a league leading 55 points to retain the Supporter's Shield. Chicago finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-10-10 record and 40 points. DC and Chicago played three times this season. A win by United in DC, a tie in Chicago, and a tie in DC. The aggregate goals for the season series was United 4:2 Fire. DC's advantage is their dominance at home and ability to get results on the road. I would imagine the strategy will be to keep the score low in Chicago and win at home. For United a 0-0 tie or 1-0 win or loss will be fine considering the injuries and short week of preparation. Then rest up and lay the wood in the second leg. Of course, they will try to win in Chicago, but I would bet that the formation and personnel will be geared towards a controlled low scoring affair.

I expect the starting lineup to be Moreno, Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, McTavish, Burch, Vanney, Namoff, and Perkins. If United scores first, I expect to see Carroll and Boswell as the subs. If Chicago scores first, I expect to see Kpene and Dyachenko as the subs.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 Chicago Fire

2007-10-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Review of Game 30 - DC United 2:3 Columbus Crew

As I have been called out for being lazy and not posting the regular review of this game, here are my thoughts on what should have been a night to forget.

The fact that the starting eleven had nine of the normal starters in it, you have to believe that Coach Soehn was going for a result to keep the unbeaten streak alive. Personally, I would have started Kpene, Addlery, Dyachenko, both Carrolls, Moose, Boswell, McTavish, Burch, Namoff, and Nolly. If they play well, great. If not, since United was obviously not trying, no momentum lost. Momentum being a state of mind, you can't lose it if you are not trying to maintain it. Since that is obviously not what happened, now United must deal with the fall out. First, a short week with a Thursday night game to open the home and home with Chicago. Second, Emilio and Moreno are now recovering from injuries rather than training for the Fire. Third, the team is now depressed and on a four game winless streak. Momentum has shifted 180 degrees.

The Good:

Gomez and Fred were back on form and making nice runs at the defense
Kpene played his best game since May

The Bad:

Injuries, Short Week, Momentum
Brian Carroll was his usual disjointed self
Mediate was invisible

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) C

Before getting injured, I can't recall anything memorable from these two. The only thing I remember is thinking how quick Jamie looked and how agressive he was tracking the ball. And then he stepped on a seam in the turf.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Carroll, and Mediate) B-

As good as Fred and Gomez were, Carroll and Mediate were that bad.

Defenders (Namoff, Boswell, McTavish, Burch, and Perkins) C-

They never looked great, but they held the 1-0 deficit pretty well for most of the game. However, the third goal was a pathetic effort.

Substitutes (Kpene, Simms, and Olsen) B

You'd expect a good effort from two starters and the team's third best forward. Yet another game where Simms didn't start and United lost.

Playoff preview coming Wednesday.

2007-10-19T12:11:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 30 - DC United vs Columbus Crew

Just a short preview this week for a game with no playoff implications for DC. United is still on a thirteen game unbeaten streak and hasn't lost at home since April. Keeping those two streaks alive would be nice heading into the postseason. It seems that the team is going to put out their top lineup at least to start the game. I would love to see some reserves get some time. Moose, Nolly, Kpene, and Addlery could all use some minutes. However, it looks like they would all be subs. So, the starting eleven should be Moreno, Emilio, Fred, Gomez, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, Vanney, McTavish, and Perkins. Carroll, Boswell, Kpene, Addlery, Moose, and Nolly are all possibilities as subs.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 Columbus Crew

2007-10-18T14:50:00.001-04:00

College Park Perspective?

DC Mayor Fenty has taken a shot across his bow with the announcement and article detailing Maryland's intention to try and lure DC United across the state line into Prince George's County. While DC United officials have yet to put the mayor over a barrel and tell him flat out "you are going to blow this and here is your deadline," they implication is clear. DC United is not going to wait forever. In a move similar to former mayor Sharron Pratt Kelly, Fenty has basically turned a deaf ear to United and appears to not be moving forward in any tangible way. The result with the Redskins was Jack Kent Cooke got tired of waiting and signed a deal with, you guessed it, Prince George's County to build his 90,000 seat stadium next to the Beltway. Hey, look at that map, College Park is right next to the Beltway, too. I could imagine a 25,000 seat stadium going up somewhere along Kenilworth Avenue, north of East West Highway. I used to live in that area and there is a gigantic park, Greenbelt Park, which extends from Kenilworth Avenue to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. You could imagine entrances/exits both to the BW Parkway and onto Kenilworth Avenue which is 8 lanes wide there, I believe. The College Park Metro Station is also a half mile from the south west corner of the park.

Not that I want the stadium to be in Maryland. However, it just shows that there are locations which make sense to DC United if DC continues to drag their feet. If the location is within walking distance of a Metro station, has access to nearby highways, and is able to be developed or will be subsidized by the local government, this could work. I would think DC has until the end of next year to make significant progress towards choosing a location DC United officials are happy with. And don't forget, Daniel Snyder is rumored to be very interested in moving the Redskins back to DC, possibly to the RFK site. You could imagine a scenario which goes like this:

1. Nationals Park opens, Fenty still upset about the fleecing of Washington, DC
2. DC continues to stonewall United
3. United looks at other options, continues to hope for movement from DC
4. Redskins announce their intention to scout out new locations for a state of the art, retractable roof stadium which will be Super Bowl capable and hold 100,000 fans
5. DC, unable to keep two thoughts in their head at a time, forgets all about DC United

Why would DC United wait around for that? Even though the mayor is a virtual lock to use opening day to pander to the fans and promise a stadium in the "near future", the promises now ring hollow.

2007-10-14T21:36:00.000-04:00

DC United Retains Supporter's Shield

Colorado Rapids defeated Chivas USA which left them three points behind DC United with one game to play. DC United holds the tie breaker with Chivas, so DC United have clinched the MLS Supporter's Shield. DC have become the only team in MLS history to finish with the top regular season record in consecutive years.

Congrats to DC United. Another trophy for the case.

So, they last game of the year is meaningless. Moreno can rest up after a long trip to South America, Fred can take it easy, Olsen and Vanney can rest their old legs, maybe give Perkins a night off. Give the kids a game, let the fans give a cheer, and we'll see everyone in the playoffs. And in case you didn't see it, DC's first home playoff game will be Thursday November 1.

2007-10-14T03:10:00.000-04:00

DC United Clinches #1 Seed in East

Thanks to thier scoreless tie with Chicago, DC United has clinched home field advantage for the duration of the playoffs. The Supporter's Shield is still pending. If Chivas USA loses their game today, United retains the Supporter's Shield regardless of the results of the final game.

2007-10-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 29 - DC United vs Chicago Fire

DC United, 16-6-6, welcomes Chicago to RFK stadium for a game full of playoff implications. United needs one point to clinch the Eastern Conference #1 seed and four points to clinch the Supporter's Shield. United can clinch both with a United win and a Chivas loss or tie or a United tie and a Chivas loss. United are on an twelve game MLS regular season unbeaten streak (9-3-0, W-D-L) United's last loss was at NYRB on July 22, 1-0. United's last home loss was on April 14 to KC, 4-2. DC have a win and a tie against Chicago this season and have outscored them 4-2. United's home record is 10-2-1 and they have a +16 goal differential. DC are currently in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, five points clear of New England. DC United also leads the Supporter's Shield race, two points clear of third place Chivas USA.

Chicago Fire, 9-9-10, are fighting for one of the last playoff spots. If the playoffs began today, Chicago would be the fourth wild card team and would be shifted to the Western Conference. Chicago is unbeaten in their last six league matches, but they have only won two of those games with four ties. Chicago is not a good road team. The Fire are 4-3-7 away from home -6 goal differential. Chicago is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, eighteen points behind DC United. They are also in eighth place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United got the tie they needed last week in Kansas City to keep on pace for the Supporter's Shield. With Chivas USA's tie in Dallas on Thursday, United is now firmly in the driver's seat.

So what to look for this Saturday:

One point clinches home field throughout the playoffs
Moreno is out on Bolivian National Team Vacation
Fred will be back in the lineup
Starting 11: Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll, Simms, Namoff, Vanney, McTavish, Burch, and Perkins.
Boswell on Yellow Card Vacation
A win and a loss or a tie from Chivas USA = Supporter's Shield
A tie and a loss from Chivas USA = Supporter's Shield

Predictions:

DC United 3:1 Chicago Fire
Chivas USA 1:0 Colorado Rapids
New England Revolution 1:1 Columbus Crew

2007-10-10T14:26:00.000-04:00

Two Weeks To Go

Playoff positions are beginning to solidify across MLS. So with each team having two or three games remaining, let's take a look at the final few games and where each team could and will end up.

Eastern Conference

DC United - 54 Points

Can finish as the number one or two seed in the East
Clinches East #1 with one point
Clinches Supporter's Shield with six points
Can win the Supporter's Shield
Remaining games - CHI and CLB
Predicted finish - 58 Points - East #1 - Supporter's Shield

New England - 49 Points

Can finish as the number one or two seed in the East
Clinches East #1 with six points and zero points for DC United
Can win Supporter's Shield
Needs all six points, no more than three from Chivas USA, and none from DC United
Remaining games - CLB and @TFC
Predicted finish - 55 Points - East #2

New York Red Bulls - 39 Points

Can finish as the number three or four seed in the East or the four seed in the West
Clinches #3 seed with four points
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - KC and @LA Galaxy
Predicted finish - 40 points - East #3

Kansas City Wizards - 37 Points

Can finish as the number three or four seed in the East or the four seed in the West
Clinches #3 seed with six points and no more than three from New York
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - @NYRB and @DAL
Predicted finish - 38 Points - East #4

Chicago Fire - 36 Points

Can finish as the number three or four seed in the East or the four seed in the West
Clinches #3 seed with six points, no more than two from NYRB, and no more than four from KC
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - @DC and LA
Predicted finish - 36 Points - Not in Playoffs

Columbus Crew - 31 Points

Can finish as the number four seed in the West
Clinches #4 seed in West with six points, no more than four from Colorado, and zero from Chicago
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - @NE and @DC
Predicted finish - 31 Points - Not in playoffs

Toronto FC - 24 Points

Eliminated from Playoffs
Remaining Games - @LA and @NE
Predicted finish - 24 Points - Not in Playoffs

Western Conference

EDIT - Chivas USA - 52 Points

Can finish as the number one or two seed in the West
Clinches #1 seed with three points
Can win Supporter's Shield
Clinches Supporter's Shield with six points and no more than three from DC United
Remaining Games - COL, and HOU
Predicted finish - 56 Points - West #1

Houston Dynamo - 48 Points

Can finish as the number one, two, or three seed in the West
Clinches #1 seed with six points and no more than two from Chivas USA
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - @RSL and @Chivas
Predicted finish - 52 Points - West #2

EDIT - FC Dallas - 44 Points

Clinched #3 seed in West
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Game - KC
Predicted finish - 47 Points - West #3

Colorado Rapids - 32 Points

Can finish as the number four seed in the West or the number four seed in the East
Clinches #4 seed with six points and no more than one point from Chicago
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - @Chivas and RSL
Predicted Finish - 33 Points - Not in playoffs

LA Galaxy - 30 Points

Can finish as the number four seed in the West or the number four seed in the East
Clinches #4 seed in West with nine points and no more than two from Chicago
Cannot win Supporter's Shield
Remaining Games - TFC, NYRB, and @CHI
Predicted finish - 39 Points - West #4

Real Salt Lake - 24 Points

Eliminated from playoffs
Remaining games - HOU and @COL
Predicted finish - 25 Points - Not in Playoffs

So if all this happened, here is what the matchups would be:

Chivas USA vs LA Galaxy
Houston vs FC Dallas
DC United vs Kansas City
New England vs New York

2007-10-08T22:40:00.000-04:00

Game 28 - DC United 1:1 Kansas City Wizards

Well, United did just enough to squeak out a tie which maintains their margin over Chivas USA where DC is in control of their own destiny. If United gets all six points from their last two games, they retain the Supporter's Shield. (Tie goes to United.) However, United should have won in KC. Even with Fred unavailable and Moreno starting on the bench, there is no way KC should have kept United off the board in the first half.

The Good:

Gomez does it himself to get the point.
Perkins plays a great game on the road
New England falls five points behind

The Bad

Sure looks like an injury to Olsen, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Emilio, or Perkins and the MLS Cup run is in serious jeopardy. Serious depth issues.
Chivas pulls the full three points

Quick Grades:

Forwards (Gomez and Emilio) B

Midfielders (Simms, Carroll, Olsen, and McTavish) B-

Defense (Boswell, Vanney, Burch, Namoff, and Perkins) B

Substitutes (Mediate, Dyachenko, and Moreno) C

2007-10-05T16:08:00.001-04:00

Preview of Game 28 - DC United vs Kansas City Wizards

DC United travels to Kansas City for a rare (perhaps unprecedented?) Friday night matchup against the Wizards. United could all but clinch the Eastern Conference #1 seed with a win and force Chivas USA to be perfect to have any chance of catching them for the Supporter's Shield. United are on an eleven game MLS regular season unbeaten streak (9-2-0, W-D-L) United's last loss was also their last road loss, losing to NYRB on July 22, 1-0. Kansas City has had success against United this season, dealing them their only home loss, 4-2, in April and losing to United 1-0 in KC. United's road record is 6-3-5 and they have a +7 goal differential. DC are currently in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of New England. DC United also leads the Supporter's Shield race, five points clear of third place Chivas USA who hold a game in hand.

Kansas City Wizards are currently clinging to one of the last playoff spots. If the playoffs began today, DC would be traveling to Kansas City to begin a home and home. So this game is significant for a few reasons: Kansas City needs the points, United wants the Supporter's Shield, and both teams want to make a statement for the potential playoff games in a few weeks. Kansas City are an average home team with a 7-2-5 (W-D-L) record and a +4 goal differential. The Wizards are coming off of consecutive one goal losses to the Los Angeles twosome, Chivas USA and LA Galaxy. Kansas City is in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, seventeen points behind DC United. They are also in seventh place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United continue to do what is necessary to win the Supporter's Shield. A tie on the road and wins at home get it done. This weekend Chivas travels to Real Salt Lake for an almost assured three points Chicago and New England travels to Chicago. Fred didn't travel with the team and Moreno is nursing a sore ankle, so I expect United's starting eleven to be Emilio, Dyachenko, Gros, Gomez, Olsen, Simms, Burch, Vanney, McTavish, Namoff, and Perkins. I also expect the top subs to be Kpene, Carroll, and Boswell. Kansas City have two starters, Arnaud and Conrad on Red Card Vacation, so what I previously had marked down as a tie should be a win.

Predictions:

DC United 2:1 Kansas City Wizards
Chivas USA 3:0 Real Salt Lake
New England Revolution 1:1 Chicago Fire

2007-10-02T23:13:00.000-04:00

Copa Sudamericana Leg 2 - DC United 0:1 CD Guadalajara

CD Guadalajara Advances on Away Goals

Two comments and two comments only:

Three United players had a chance to clear the ball that ended up as the lone goal. When you play a defensive game, you better play great defense.

I really wish Fred and Burch had played. I hate that United lost at less than full strength.

2007-10-01T15:20:00.001-04:00

Game 27 - DC United 4:1 Toronto FC

Since I was traveling, I have yet to see DC's win. So no grades this week. However, the win combined with the other results in MLS this weekend have altered the landscape in the Eastern Conference and Supporter's Shield races. Chivas USA tied Chicago and New England beat Colorado. So here is where things stand going into this week's schedule:

DC United - 53 Points, 3 Games (2 H, 1 A) Max Points - 62 (@KC, CHI, CLB)
Chivas USA - 48 Points, 4 Games (2H, 2A) Max Points - 60 (@RSL, @DAL, COL, HOU)
New England - 49 Points, 3 Games (1H, 2A) Max Points - 58 (@CHI, CLB, @TFC)

United now needs seven points in their remaining three games to clinch Supporter's Shield. And DC only needs five points for the Eastern Conference title.

Predicted Finish (as of 10/1)
DC United - 60
Chivas USA - 56
New England - 56

2007-09-28T12:20:00.001-04:00

Preview of Game 27 - DC United vs Toronto FC

DC United welcomes Toronto FC to RFK stadium this weekend looking to further solidify their claim on the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and the Supporter's Shield. United are on a ten game MLS regular season unbeaten streak (8-2-0, W-D-L) They are also unbeaten at home since April. United's home record is 9-2-1 and they have a +13 goal differential. DC are currently in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of New England. DC United also leads the Supporter's Shield race, three points clear of Chivas USA who holds a game in hand.

Toronto FC, not to put too fine a point on it, have been playing the worst soccer in MLS over the last ten weeks. Their league record 824 minute scoreless streak ended in their last game, a 2-1 loss to Columbus. TFC are a horrible road team, with a 1-4-7 record and a -18 goal differential. Toronto is winless since July 4th (0-4-8, -16) and is in last place in the Eastern Conference, twenty-nine points behind DC United. They are also in last place in the Supporter's Shield race.

Entering this weekend, United hold their destiny in their hands. Win out, and they receive all the regular season accolades possible. This weekend Chivas hosts Chicago and New England hosts Colorado. Chicago and Colorado are desperate for points as they are both looking for one of the last playoff spots. Toronto, while mathematically alive, is out of the hunt being eleven points back with four games to play. I expect United to play the same roster they used against CD Guadalajara, Emilio, Morerno, Fred, Gomez, Olsen, Simms, Burch, Vanney, McTavish, Namoff, and Perkins. I also expect the top subs to remain Gros, Carroll, and Boswell.

Predictions:

DC United 3:0 Toronto FC
Chivas USA 2:2 Chicago Fire
New England Revolution 2:1 Colorado Rapids

2007-09-28T11:58:00.000-04:00

Special Game C - DC United 2:1 CD Guadalajara

Copa Sudamericana Round of 16

United had a goal in mind. In previous international tournaments, United had left home with a tie and ended up eliminated. This time, against an opponent they had played earlier this year, United was determined to leave home with a win. The early lead was a good sign. Isn't Olsen on a great streak? But when Burch was sent off, things looked bleak. In my section, I was agitating for a Boswell for Moreno switch with McTavish moving to midfield. Instead, Soehn brought in Gros and Carroll after the fortuitous Simms goal to make it 2-0. United was lucky to leave with the win and it sets them up well for the road game. A tie and they advance.

2007-09-26T15:33:00.000-04:00

Special Game 'C' in Your Ticket Books - DC United vs CD Guadalajara

Tonight DC United welcomes CD Guadalajara to RFK Stadium for the first game in a home and home series for the right to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana. Tonight's game is a late start. Kickoff is at 8:30 PM. United should have everyone available and with the playoff berth secured and bottom feeder Toronto coming to town on Saturday, there is no reason why United won't play their best roster tonight. I expect the starting eleven to be Moreno, Emilio, Fred, Gomez, Olsen, Simms, Burch, Namoff, Vanney, McTavish, and Perkins. Boswell, Carroll, and Gros should be the subs if necessary.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 CD Guadalajara

2007-09-24T12:33:00.000-04:00

Game 26 - DC United 1:1 Chicago Fire

I have to admit, I was very tired when I watched the recording of this game and may have dozed off for portions of it. However, it was a pretty boring match. And if you fire up the DVR at 10:30 PM like I did to watch it, it could have been sleep inducing. However, United got the job done. They pulled a tie on the road with four starters on the bench to start the game and three of them unavailable due to Yellow Card Vacation. United's unbeaten streak is now up to ten.

The Good:

Even though he didn't score, Emilio was dangerous on the few times the JV midfielders were able to get him the ball.
Boswell and Vanney looked pretty good next to each other in the middle.

The Bad:

Mediate and Gros had poor games on the wings.
Very little imagination.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) B+

Jamie gets lucky and scores #111. Not much more could be expected with the service they were getting.

Midfielders (Carroll, Mediate, Gros, and McTavish) C-

McTavish only played a little part of the game here before sliding into Namoff's spot. But, it was some ugly soccer from this group.

Defenders (Vanney, Boswell, Burch, Namoff, and Perkins) B

Good game from this group. The goal was a nice one, could it have been stopped? Yes. But I wasn't upset about it. Chicago made a nice play.

Substitutes (Simms, Addlery, and deRoux) C+

Simms was great, as usual. Addlery and deRoux added little, also as usual.

With New England's tie and Chivas USA's win, here's how things are in the Supporter's Shield and Eastern Conference races as of now:

DC United - 50 Points, 4 Games (3 H, 1 A) Max Points - 62
Chivas USA - 47 Points, 5 Games (3H, 2A) Max Points - 62
New England - 46 Points, 4 Games (2H, 2A) Max Points - 58

Predicted Final Standings as of 9-24
DC United 58
Chivas USA 58
New England 56

(United holds the tie-breaker against both Chivas and NE)

2007-09-21T14:58:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 26 - DC United at Chicago Fire

DC United, 15-4-6 (W-D-L), head to Chicago after eleven days off without the services of three starting midfielders. DC United will be without Fred, Ben Olsen, and Christian Gomez, all of whom are on league sponsored Yellow Card Vacation. United won the only previous meeting at RFK 3-1. These two teams will play their third and final game at RFK on October 13. United has clinched a playoff spot and essentially is guaranteed no worse than the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference postseason. There are two things left to play for in the regular seasonfor United. First is to beat out New England for the top seed in the East. New England can get a maximum of sixty points, so United's magic number is eleven (combination of United points and points New England doesn't get for losses and ties). DC United is on nine match MLS unbeaten streak (8-1-0), outscoring their opponents 22-6 in that span. United is 6-2-5 on the road this year with a +7 goal differential, both tops in MLS. United leads the league in points per game (1.96 PPG) and is in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of New England (1.80 PPG). United is also in 1st place in the Supporter's Shield race, four points ahead of New England and Houston (1.73 PPG). United has played the same number of games as New England, twenty-five, and one less than Houston.

Chicago Fire, 8-7-10 (W-D-L), are fighting for the final playoff spot with New York, Kansas City, and Colorado. Chicago pulled out a tie in Dallas on Thursday to get a precious point, and are now two points ahead of Colorado. Due to the rule changes this season, if the number five team in the East finishes with more points than the number four team in the West, the East team, currently Chicago, would be placed as the fourth seed in the West for the playoffs. Chicago is a mediocre home team with a 4-5-3 record and a -1 goal differential. They are in 5th place in the Eastern Conference (1.24 PPG), eighteen points behind DC United. They are in 8th place overall, but cannot overtake United for the Supporter's Shield.

The full three points for United would be quite a bonus. A tie keeps them on pace for the Supporter's Shield. If they get one point in each of their road matches and average two points in their three home games, that should be enough to win the Supporter's Shield. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Kpene, Moreno, Gros, Carroll, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Vanney, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Moose, Boswell, and Mediate all could get in during the second half.

With five games remaining, United needs about six points to have a good shot at retaining the Supporter's Shield and eleven to guarantee it.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 Chicago Fire

2007-09-19T14:10:00.000-04:00

Looking Ahead at the Chances

I don't know about anyone else, but I am starting to get excited for some thrilling times to come at RFK. If United can hold off the rest of the league, there is a potential for three home playoff games, one of which is the MLS Cup. So, since I love me some stats, I want to look at what I think the chances are that I will be at MLS Cup cheering on the Black and Red.

There are three factors involved in United playing in the MLS Cup at RFK.

1. Will United finish in first place in the East?
2. How does United play at home? How do the rest of the teams play on the road?
3. Are the best players healthy, available, and in the lineup?

To address the first factor, let's look at the potential playoff teams in the East.

DC - 49 Points, 5 Games (3 H, 2 A), Max Possible Points - 64
NE - 45 Points, 5 Games (2 H, 3 A), Max Possible Points - 60
NY - 37 Points, 5 Games (3 H, 2 A), Max Possible Points - 52
KC - 36 Points, 5 Games (2 H, 3 A), Max Possible Points - 51
CHI - 30 Points, 6 Games (3 H, 3 A), Max Possible Points - 48

So barring an epic collapse, United only has to worry about New England for top seed in the East. United has an extra home game over the Revolution and a four point cushion. United won the season series with two wins and a tie, so DC clinches the top seed with 60 points if NE maxes out their points. That is unlikely, so let's say they do really well and win four of the five games. United would need eight points to win the East. Win two of three at home and get two points on the road and they are there. Chances of winning the East: 90%.

If United wins the East, they have a home and home in the first round against New York, Kansas City, or Chicago. United is 9-2-1 (W-D-L) at home this season with a +13 goal differential. Their only loss was the first one in April, so United is on an eleven game unbeaten streak at home and a four game winning streak. The best road team of the three is Kansas City. They are 3-4-5 with a -4 goal differential. United on the road is one of only two teams to be above .500 at 6-2-5. United also has the best road goal differential at +7. So United has a distinct advantage in the first round. Chances of winning the first round: 80%.

Now, let's assume New England advances to the Eastern Conference Finals. United has owned them this year, outscoring them 8-3 in three games. United's home record compared to New England's road record (6-2-4, -2 GD) again favors United. Chances of winning the Eastern Conference Championship game: 70 %.

So that leaves the third factor, lineups. The DC United coaching staff seems to have figured out who the best players are and are getting tremendous results recently. My only quibble is Vanney over Boswell, but that is minor compared to Simms/Carroll. So, will everyone be available for each game? Injuries and suspensions can crop up. Chances of fielding the top lineup: 95%.

So, if my unscientific and completely subjective guesses are right, what are the chances of DC United hosting the MLS Cup at RFK? United has a 48% chance. See, that's why I am getting excited.

2007-09-14T12:14:00.000-04:00

Game 25 - DC United 2:1 Real Salt Lake

I was as frustrated after this win as any loss of this season. My frustration manifested in a few ways. Frustration at the coaching staff for choosing to rest Fred at the start of the game. With Moreno out playing for Bolivia, we needed Fred in there for creativity and the threat he is to defenses. Without him, RSL could key on Gomez and severely limit DC's ability to attack. Second, I was frustrated with the lack of possession by DC in the first half. RSL was living in DC's third of the field. They were clearly the better team in the first half. Third, I was frustrated with the officiating. Having been at the game and having not watched it on replay, I know some of the calls I disagreed with would have been correct. The sheer volume and the devastating effect of them, was alarming. All three cards on Olsen, Fred, and Gomez were suspect. Especially Fred. It seemed the linesman was feeling slighted and took it out on Fred for dissent. Even the referee later told the linesman to cool it when he got heated a few minutes later. I can honestly say I got little pleasure out of this win. All I could think of on the way home was three of United's four starting midfielders would be unavailable at Chicago.

The Good:

United took the full three points on a night when things seemed to be going against them.
Perkins makes a great save on the penalty.
Emilio notches another

The Bad:

Gomez tells Emilio to get lost then missed the penalty.
All the yellow.

Grades:

Forwards (Kpene and Emilio) B

Emilio was very good again, but Kpene seemed to dribble himself into trouble. He had one speedy run which showed he is fully healthy, which is nice.

Midfielders (Gros, Gomez, Carroll, and Olsen) B-

An awful first half can be mostly blamed on this group. A better second half saved their grade.

Defenders (Boswell, McTavish, Burch, Namoff, and Perkins) B

No major complaints from this group. Tighter marking on Beckerman might have resulted in a clean sheet.

Substitutes (Fred and Simms) A-

Fred's excellent cross results in the go ahead goal. Simms came in and helped kill the game.

So United is now off for ten days. They will be severely short handed at Chicago, so that result is in serious doubt. If they can salvage a tie, they will be sitting on fifty points with four games to play. Chivas USA's recent form has caused me to up my estimate of the point total needed to win the Supporter's Shield from fifty-four to fifty-six. United therefore needs seven points from their final five games to reach that number.

2007-09-11T16:52:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 25 - DC United vs Real Salt Lake

DC United, 14-4-6 (W-D-L), remain at home and hope to avenge their loss to Real Salt Lake earlier this season. United lost that game 2-1 and played some uninspired soccer that night in Salt Lake City. Remember, that was the night Jay Nolly got the start in goal and Rod Dyachenko started at forward. Let's hope we don't have a repeat of that disaster. United also clinches a playoff spot with thier next point. DC United is on an eight match MLS unbeaten streak (7-1-0), outscoring their opponents 20-5 in that span. DC United improved its home record on Sunday to 8-2-1 with a +12 goal differential. United leads the league in points per game (1.92 PPG) and is in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of New England (1.75 PPG). United is also in 1st place in the Supporter's Shield race, four points ahead of New England and FC Dallas (1.70 PPG). United has played the same number of games as New England, twenty-four, and one less than FC Dallas.

Real Salt Lake, 4-6-12 (W-D-L), are among the worst teams in the league. However, they seem to have United's number. The game in Utah might have been United's worst performance of the year. RSL is awful on the road this season with a 1-3-7 record and a -10 goal differential. They are in 5th place in the Western Conference (0.82 PPG), twenty-four points behind Houston with three games in hand; and in 12th place in the Supporter's Shield race, twenty-eight points behind DC United with two games in hand.

This match will decide the Ben Cup. If you don't know what that is, look it up here. United doesn't have anyone unavailable as of now, but has three players (Fred, Gomez, and Olsen) sitting on their last yellow card. I was actually thinking it might make sense to have Gomez get a yellow on Sunday to get it over with before a tougher opponent. But I decided that was a terrible idea. Go get the points against the bad teams. RSL is a bad team. It might be Vanney's turn to sit this one out on defense. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Boswell, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Carroll, Kpene, and Gros all could get in during the second half.

With six games remaining, United needs about eight points to have a good shot at retaining the Supporter's Shield. If DC wins this game, then they only need five points from the five remaining games, three of which are at home.

Prediction:

DC United 2:0 Real Salt Lake

2007-09-11T12:23:00.000-04:00

Game 24 - DC United 4:2 New England Revolution

Apologies all around for not posting a preview. I'll try to make up for it in this game review.

After attending the Redskins game Sunday, I watched the HD replay on Comcast. I'll go into my machinations for how I decided to go to the Redskins game instead of United vs Revolution below, but I want to say right now that this was the first home game I had watched on TV in a few years and the coverage was 100% better than ESPN's Thursday night games. Kudos all around. The picture was gorgeous, the commentary was good, and no technical glitches which caused me to miss large portions of the game. So I avoided any way of finding out the score ahead of time (same for USA vs Brazil) and settled in to watch a lot of soccer at 8 PM. I found the starting lineup curious in that I thought Boswell had played well since his return to the starting lineup and Vanney was the one due for a rest, and I was shocked that Gros was not only available but starting. I would have thought he would have done one game as a sub before being put back in the starting lineup. Maybe Olsen really needed the rest, but with Real Salt Lake visiting on Wednesday, I would have thought that was the game to rest Olsen. (Although, I am reminded of a similar line of thought by the coaching staff which may have contributed to United's loss at RSL earlier this year.)

The game started well again with United scoring first. When was the last time United didn't score first? I need to look this up. The last time United failed to score the first goal in league play was against NYRB on July 22nd, nine games ago. Overall, the last time United conceded the first goal was in the SuperLiga semifinal against LA Galaxy. Not bad. The fact that in both situations they lost via shutout is not a pleasant statistic, however. The two goals New England scored were both deflections and the first one was comical in it's unluckitude. What was great to see was how United was able to rebound from their first deficit in a while and push ahead to the three points. United is now four points clear of the league. With winnable games at home coming up, United is in spectacular position to claim their second consecutive Supporter's Shield. More on that in the RSL preview later today.

The Good:

Emilio is making a case for MLS MVP. It's really down to him and Angel right?
Fred slots home his one chance.
Moreno scores in the run of play.
Gros plays the full 90 minutes with no ill effects.

The Bad:

The inability to clear the second goal off the line.
The full Sunday schedule (United, USA, and Redskins), more below.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) A

Emilio now stands on 18 goals and is the clear favorite for the Golden Boot and has to be one of the three named as finalists for MLS MVP. Moreno had a beautiful assist on Fred's goal and also scored #110 himself.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Gros, and Simms) A-

Gros played with excellent effort and you could see that he is a much better midfielder than left back. Gomez and Fred had a good game pushing forward for the tying and go ahead goals in the second half. Simms was steady as usual.

Defenders (McTavish, Burch, Vanney, Namoff, and Perkins) B

Vanney needs to do a better job of marking the opposition's best forward. The first goal doesn't happen if he is a yard closer. The second goal may or may not have crossed the line. I have no idea.

Substitutes (Olsen, Carroll, and Boswell) A

Olsen and Carroll assisted on goals and Boswell settled the defense. Excellent work about the subs. See I can say something nice about Carroll.

Begin Rant

Last year, the Redskins were playing the Cowboys at the same time as United was playing the Eastern Conference finals. My friend who goes to the United games with me and I both chose United. The fact that United lost and the Redskins won in dramatic last second fashion, didn't cause us to regret the decision. Sunday, the Redskins were opening their season and United was playing the first of five games at home down the stretch. Playoffs are guaranteed for United at this point, and I decided to go to the Redskins game. My friend did me one better and flew to Chicago to watch USA-Brazil. I don't regret this choice either. Here is the thing though. Why schedule them head to head? United hasn't played a Saturday night home game since July 14th. Everyone knows the NFL was opening their season this weekend. Would it have been that difficult to decide that there would be no home games in NFL cities on Sundays when making the schedule last winter? There is only one Sunday MLS game a week. Put the games in LA for the month of September. Chivas and LA Galaxy can host two games each on Sundays and allow fans who like both the local NFL team and the local MLS team to not have to give up one of their tickets. I am a season ticket holder of both teams and I really get upset when a minimum of effort isn't given by front offices to conflicts like this. For a Saturday night game, there would have been 5,000 more tickets sold. Up against the NFL, you miss out on the crossover fans and the portion of the 93,000 people who go to the Redskins games who also go to United games like me. End of rant.

2007-09-07T16:51:00.000-04:00

Game 23 - DC United 2:2 Chivas USA

On ESPN2, United played the first 76 minute game of the year in Los Angeles against Chivas USA. On my TV, United lost 2-1, however, in my morning paper, they listed the score as 2-2. Let's hope the powers-that-be don't catch on and take away the point in the standings that United stole. What's that? The game was really 90 minutes and we missed a United goal? How can that be in the modern TV age? And what about the missing minutes in the second half? Technical difficulties? Huh. Weird.

And what was up with the ref going straight red on Vanney and then changing his mind? I thought if you were giving a second yellow, you first put up the yellow and then the red to show it wasn't a straight red card. This is yet another example of MLS referees blowing the simple things. And let's not even mention the blatant bad call on Chivas at the end. Preki should have rushed the field in protest. If United had been screwed like that, I would have thrown something at the TV.

Anyway, let me give myself some props for correctly predicting the score. I think that makes me 1-54 to get both the score and result correct. Awesome. Second, this is the 100th post of this blog, so I'd like to say thanks to everyone who reads it and doesn't hate it.

The Good:

Great fast start by Emilio and the rest of United.
Burch was excellent again.

The Bad

Sloppy play by Perkins leads to the first goal.
Yellow all around on the defense.
ESPN

Grades:
Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) A-

Great first half work from these two. Both of them heavily influenced the play. Unfortunately, they tended to disappear in the second half. Moreno's assist moves him into sole posession of 5th place on the MLS All-Time Assists list with 88. Congrats, Jamie.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Olsen, and Simms) B

Not the best game from this group. Fred tried to impose himself on the game in the second half, but as often as not, his passes went to Chivas.

Defenders (Boswell, Vanney, Burch, Perkins, and Namoff) B

Two deflections resulted in goals. I don't hold them too responsible for that. What I do hold them responsible for is the reckless challenges. You can't have three of four defenders playing with yellows. You take away the aggressiveness. And why didn't they sub in McTavish for someone who had a yellow?

Substitutes (Carroll and Mediate) B-

Carroll did some nice running to try to kill the game however he was ball watching at the top of his own box which almost resulted in the go ahead goal. He's maddening, that guy.

2007-09-05T16:03:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 23 - DC United at Chivas USA

DC United, 13-3-6 (W-D-L), go west for a matchup of the two hottest teams in MLS. DC United is on a six match MLS winning streak, outscoring their opponents 14-1 in that span. This is the last of three straight on the road for DC. United took the full six points at Dallas and Toronto. DC United improved their road record to 6-1-5 with a +7 goal differential. United leads the league in points per game (1.91 PPG) and is in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, tied with New England (1.83 PPG) with one game in hand. United is also in 1st place in the Supporter's Shield race.

Chivas USA, 11-3-6 (W-D-L), have been on a tear recently, winning five of their last six games. Even more impressively, they have won the last three by shutout. Chivas is excellent at home and really should be considered the leader in the West due to the fact that they have four games in hand on Houston. Chivas is undefeated at home this season with a 7-1-0 record and a +11 goal differential. They are in 2nd place in the Western Conference (1.80 PPG), three points behind Houston and in 4th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United will be without Josh Gros again, but otherwise should have the full compliment of players. Coach Soehn appears to be rotating players on defense, so the back four is a bit up in the air. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Boswell, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Kpene, Carroll, and Moose all should get in during the second half.

With eight games remaining, United needs about twelve points to have a good shot at retaining the Supporter's Shield. If DC wins this game, then they only need nine points from the seven remaining games, five of which are at home. It's a great time to be a United fan.

Prediction:

DC United 2:2 Chivas USA

2007-09-02T20:18:00.001-04:00

Game 22 - DC United 4:0 FC Dallas

I have to say this is the most surprising result of the entire season. While I thought DC would compete well against Dallas, I would never have expected them to run them off the field. Olsen's brace, Fred and Gomez with tremendous, momentum seizing goals, and Perkins in complete control were huge developments which I think have significance beyond this one game. United's run of six straight wins while outscoring the competition 14-1 is the best run I can ever remember. Included in those games are 3-0 wins at New England, 3-1 win at home against New York and this 4-0 win at Dallas. You could argue those teams are the three best teams not in Washington, DC. So what does it mean? United is now in the driver's seat for the Supporter's Shield. They are playing better than anyone else, they have eight games remaining on the schedule, and five of those are at home.

The Good:

Another clean sheet
Excellent midfield play
DC now atop the standings

The Bad:

(For the first time, this section is empty)

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) B+

Nice steady play. Emilio easily could have had the second Olsen goal. I wonder what was happening on the sideline after Emilio was subbed out. The head coach went over to him, he had his head in his hands. I hope it was simple frustration about being the first sub and not some injury or anger at the coach. It warrants watching.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Olsen, and Simms) A+

All four goals came from this group. Just spectacular all around play. This foursome should remain unchanged for the rest of the year.

Defenders (Namoff, Vanney, Boswell, Burch, and Perkins) A+

One goal in the last six games. Boswell fits right back in and plays a great game. Burch contributed to two goals with crosses. And Perkins backs up his August MLS Player of the Month award with another outstanding game.

Substitutes (Mediate, McTavish, and Dyachenko) I

I honestly didn't pay much attention to the game after it went to 4-0. Lots of company over and I got distracted.

So United sits at 42 points with eight games to go. When I started looking ahead with twelve games to go, I never would have imagined getting the full twelve points in the next four games. I had them getting seven points, so they are five ahead of pace to get to 54. If they win the game against New England, that should put them in clear control of the Eastern Conference. And the game this week at Chivas is a "six point game" and could put a serious dent in Chivas' hopes for the Supporter's Shield. Big week coming up.

2007-08-31T11:02:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 22 - DC United at FC Dallas

DC United, 12-3-6 (W-D-L), head to Texas for a game with FC Dallas. This matches two of the hottest teams in MLS against each other and is a rematch of one of the quirkiest games of the season. DC United is on a five match MLS winning streak, outscoring their opponents 10-1 in that span. Brian Carroll is unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. Christian Gomez is one card away from sitting out the next game, as well. Everyone else should be available after a fill week of rest except for Josh Gros. This is the second of three straight on the road for DC. Taking the full three points at Toronto was a great way to start the trip. United evened their road record at 5-1-5 (W-D-L) with a +3 goal differential. United leads the league in points per game (1.86 PPG) and is in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind New England (1.83 PPG) with two games in hand. United is also in 2nd place in the Supporter Shield race.

FC Dallas, 11-3-7 (W-D-L), are cruising along in the Western Conference. They appear to have a playoff spot locked up and are looking to solidify their position one of the top teams in the West. FC Dallas is 6-1-2 at their home stadium with a +7 goal differential. They are in 3rd place in the Western Conference (1.71 PPG), two points behind Houston with two games in hand, and in 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

Brian Hall is scheduled to ref this match, which leads me to my new favorite statistic. Hall has reffed thirty games each for United and FC Dallas in his career. FC Dallas' record is 16-6-8 (W-D-L) in his matches. United's record? 13-5-12. So one team is eight games over .500 and the other is one game over .500. I was unable to figure out how long Hall has been employed by MLS, but I will guess that he probably averages four United games a year, being that there are six games a weekend over thirty weeks, and I think he works every week. So his thirty games would go back to around 2000. During that time, United has a record of 89-50-94, or five games below .500. FC Dallas has a record of 92-43-96, or four games below .500. Almost identical records over the last seven and a half seasons. Yet, in games overseen by Hall, United is one game over .500 and Dallas is eight games over .500. Now, this isn't an indictment of Hall, the three time MLS referee of the year. However, is bears watching. Patterns like this are terrible for referees. The records of the teams they ref should be similar to their overall records after enough games have been played. Thirty games is a large enough sample to start drawing conclusions from.

United will be without Josh Gros and Boswell is still riding the pine. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Vanney, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Kpene, Addlery, and Moose all should get in during the second half.

With nine games remaining, United needs about fifteen points to have a good shot at retaining the Supporter's Shield. If DC wins one of the next two games on the road, then they need twelve points from the five home games. It's looking better and better.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 FC Dallas

2007-08-27T10:14:00.000-04:00

Game 21 - DC United 1:0 Toronto FC

DC United stole three points on the road to further enhance their chances at the Supporter's Shield. Toronto FC clearly played the better game, but DC cashed in on their only shot on goal of the first half and made it stand up with some timely defending and poor finishing by TFC. With Emilio, Olsen and Gros not making the trip to Canada, United's attack lacked possession which resulted in Toronto pushing their attack throughout the game. Perkins played very well and was the difference between three points and none. With the win, United moves into second place in the Eastern Conference and in the full table, three points behind New England with two games in hand.

The Good:

Perkins and the defense pitch another shutout.
Another early goal to put the opponent on their heels.
Simms was great again in the midfield.

The Bad:

The forwards, more below.
The substitutes, more below.
The field, more here. Once again, the field proved to be as big an influence on how the game played out as anything else. The turf in Toronto doesn't give a true bounce and whether it was because of the wetness or if that's how it always plays, the ball skipped all over the place. I've been to Toronto. I know they can grow grass there. It's a real shame MLS hasn't strapped on a set and dictated that outdoor turf is verboten.

Grades

Forwards (Dyachenko and Addlery) D-

Can we end the Dyachenko experiment for 2007? Unimaginative, uninspired, and unskillful. And Addlery was completely unable to control the passes he was given, passes Moreno and Emilio are able to handle regularly. I don't understand why Kpene was not give the start over either of these options.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Simms, and Carroll) B

The offense, the little that there was, came from this group. Carroll looked better on the wing pushing up field without the responsibility to distribute from the middle. Gomez and Fred were the best players on the field not named Perkins. Simms continues to show why he deserves to be on the field. And did you see the stat in the Post? United is 16-5-3 (W-D-T) with Simms in the lineup over the last two years. Wow.

Defense (Burch, McTavish, Vanney, Namoff, and Perkins) A-

Another clean sheet for this group. Perkins was great, but the fullbacks didn't have their best game. Still it is the result that counts. United has given up the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference and is third overall in GAA at 1.10.

Substitutes (Kpene, Mediate, and Moreno) C-

As well and Moreno played, this group was unable to maintain possession of the ball and allowed Toronto to begin peppering the defense, make runs in the box and keep possession for almost the entire second half.

2007-08-25T11:53:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 21 - DC United at Toronto FC

DC United, 11-3-6 (W-D-L), head north for an "international" league matchup with Toronto FC. This game involves two teams heading in opposite directions. United is on a four game MLS winning streak, outscoring their opponents 9-1. Toronto on the other hand is falling through the floor recently. Toronto hasn't won since July 4th (0-3-5), and has been outscored 15-3 in those eight games. For the season, United is 4-1-5 (W-D-L) on the road with a +2 goal differential. United (1.80 PPG) is in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind New England (1.77 PPG) with two games in hand. United is in 3rd place in the Supporter Shield race, also led by New England.

Toronto FC, 5-5-11 (W-D-L), are looking to salvage their season with a late run for a playoff spot. Their recent run of play suggests that they will end their freshman season out of the postseason. Toronto is 4-1-5 at their home stadium with an even goal differential. They are in last place in the Eastern Conference (0.95 PPG), nineteen points behind New England with one game in hand, and in 11th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United won the only previous meeting between the two clubs 2-1 in Toronto. United will be without Luciano Emilio, Ben Olsen, and Josh Gros, and Boswell is still in the doghouse, so the lineup will feature some different faces. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Kpene, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Mediate, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Vanney, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Carroll, Dyachenko and Moose all should get in during the second half.

This is the first of three straight on the road for DC. With ten games remaining, United needs about eighteen points to have a good shot at the Supporter's Shield. If DC wins two of the road games, then they need twelve points from the five home games. It's doable.

Prediction:

DC United 2:0 Toronto FC

2007-08-24T10:58:00.000-04:00

Game 20 - DC United 3:1 New York Red Bulls

Due to fraternal lateness, I missed the first two goals of the game. There is nothing more depressing than waiting outside the stadium for someone and hearing the crowd erupt. And to have it happen twice was torture. We were in our seats by the ten minute mark, and at least it was United up two instead of the other way around, but well, you know what I mean. So, Olsen cleans up in the box and Gomez knocks in a deflected cross to put United up early. This is the kind of opportunism United had been lacking lately. A month ago, Olsen would have been a step late and Gomez would have launched it over the bar. This is a good sign for the future. The two penalties looked legit.

All in all, a good game. United pulled all three points, retains the Atlantic Cup again, and moves to thirty-six on the season with ten games to go split evenly at five at home and five on the road. United has the best points per game average in the league at 1.80, exactly the pace needed for fifty-four points. If I am right and that's what they need to get to to win the Supporter's Shield, DC United needs eighteen of the final thirty available. Other than Gros, who is out indefinitely, United is healthy and look to be peaking. There are options available in the lineup at all positions. I feel better about the season now than at any point this year. Of course, United heads out on a three game road trip which will determine the course of the season. But no pressure, guys.

The Good:

Moreno notches #109. Long time coming, he and I both wish it had come in the run of play, but I'm glad he got it. I don't think he'll hold it long, but like Art Monk, he deserves to have it associated with his name. Congrats, Jamie.
Other than a few slips, the defense was solid again. It looks like the problems of the Spring and early Summer are behind the back line and Perkins had another good game.
Simms was very good as the defensive midfielder. It has to be his job now. Right, Tom?
I thought this was a well officiated game, except for one offside call which was really bad. I believe it was on Emilio and he hit the post on the ensuing shot. Could have been costly.

The Bad:

The trip by Perkins in the box was unnecessary. I don't know why goalies reach like that for the legs of forwards in their box when they are that far away from goal. If they trip the player, it's a goal from the spot almost guaranteed. If they miss, maybe it will still be a goal, but at a lesser percentage. And on top of it, he had help behind him.
Boswell's benching is bothering me. I wish there was more information on it, as everything now is speculation. If he just got put in the doghouse, that's one thing. If it is because the staff thinks Vanney is the better player, I can't agree with that assessment.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) B+

Moreno had a few near misses and Emilio played a very good game. Jamie also moved into a tie for fifth place on the MLS All-Time Assist list, tied with Cobi Jones.

Midfielders (Fred, Olsen, Gomez, and Simms) A-

A great all around game from this group. Gomez continues to improve his form. Maybe not to his 2004 or 2006 level, but he is making his darting runs and putting the defense on their heels. Speaking of which, Fred has struck fear in the heart of quite a few players. He is finding lots of space to work with and is doing very creative things with it. I thought he had an excellent game.

Defenders (McTavish, Vanney, Namoff, Burch, and Perkins) B

Other than the penalty, they played a solid game against a few very dangerous attacking players. Angel was threatening for much of the game, but you can't expect to completely shut him down.

Substitutes (Carroll, Dyachenko, and Mediate) C+

They did their job, kill clock, but I wasn't impressed by any of them.

2007-08-22T23:26:00.000-04:00

Jamie Moreno - MLS All-Time Goals Scored Leader

United's #99, Jamie Moreno, now stands alone atop the list of the greatest goal scorers in Major League Soccer's twelve year history. Moreno scored number 109 on a penalty against New York in DC United's 3-1 victory. Congratulations, Jamie.

2007-08-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 20 - DC United vs New York Red Bulls

DC United, 10-3-6 (W-D-L), return home for the deciding match in the Atlantic Cup competition for 2007 against the New York Red Bulls. United was victorious in Columbus last Saturday, beating the Crew 2-0. The Brasilians, Fred and Emilio, each tallied for the Red and Black. United is on a three match winning streak (all shutouts) in MLS play and hasn't lost at home since April. For the season, United is 6-2-1 (W-D-L) at home with a +8 goal differential. United (1.74 PPG) is in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind New England (1.77 PPG) with three games in hand. United is in 4th place in the Supporter Shield race, also led by New England.

New York, 10-3-7 (W-D-L), are flying high after their thrilling 5-4 victory over David Beckham and the LA Galaxy in front of a home crowd of 66,000. New York is 3-2-4 on the road this season with a -5 goal differential. They are in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference (1.65 PPG), six points behind New England with two games in hand, and in 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

The Atlantic Cup will be decided by this game. According to mlsnet.com, the tie breakers are as follows: "Goal difference is the first tie-breaker, followed by away goals; if still tied, United (as holders) will retain the cup." So if DC and New York tie the game, United will win on the first tie breaker as they are currently leading 2-1 on aggregate goals.

United and New York have split the season series thus far, each winning on their home field. United will be without Josh Gros who suffered another concussion early in the game against Columbus. He may be out quite a while to be sure he doesn't suffer any lingering effects. Former United players Dema Kovalenko and Santino Quaranta are out for New York. I expect the starting eleven for United to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Boswell, and Perkins in a 4-4-2 formation. Carroll, Kpene and Vanney all should get in during the second half.

This is United's last home game for a while. The next three are on the road. To continue their chances for the Supporter's Shield, United needs at least a tie. I continue to think fifty-four points wins the Supporter's Shield. United has thirty-three points with eleven games remaining, six at home and five on the road.

Prediction:

DC United 3:2 New York Red Bulls

DC United retains the Atlantic Cup

2007-08-19T00:53:00.001-04:00

Game 19 - DC United 2:0 Columbus Crew

I said United needed at least five points out of the twelve available in the four road games coming up in the next few weeks. United did an excellent job of getting the first goal, keeping possession, and finally scoring the second goal to seal the game. DC's talent advantage was apparent all game and overwhelming in the second half. Fred had possibly his best game in the Black and Red. Gomez looked better than he has in a month. The defense pitched another shutout, held the Crew without a shot on goal in the first forty-five minutes, and Burch was dominant on the left side. With Boswell and Olsen getting a rare healthy scratch, this bodes well for the many games coming up in the next few weeks.

The Good:

A second goal to go up 2-0. First in New England and now in Columbus, maybe United is figuring out this road thing.
Emilio notches another with a heady play on our old friend Ezra.
Fred scores from distance after Gomez hits the post. It seems like a rare play to have a ball go off the post and still score in the run of play. Fred's shot was absolutely crushed.
Simms returns to the starting lineup, this better not change.

The Bad:

Vanney still looks a bit shaky, but not a bad game from him.
A weak offensive effort in the first half.
Gros suffers another concussion. He may have to sit for a while.

Grades

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) A-

Emilio scores his 14th goal and Moreno plays 86 minutes. Luciano did lots of running to seal the game.

Midfielders (Gomez, Fred, Simms, and Gros) A-

Best game from this group in a while. Excellent possession in the second half. Gomez hits the post and Fred cleans it up. Fred then slots a great pass that Emilio put 5-hole for the second goal. Simms played a great game. The lone dark spot was Gros leaving early.

Defenders (Burch, Namoff, McTavish, Vanney and Perkins) A

Another shutout, another 'A'. Spectacular game from this group. Controlled the air, intercepted crosses before they got to the middle, and Perkins was decisive and agressive.

Substitutes (Mediate, Carroll, and Dyachenko) B

Mediate did very well subbing in for Gros in the 9th minute. Carroll and Dyachenko didn't make an impression in limited minutes.

2007-08-17T13:50:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 19 - DC United at Columbus Crew

DC United, 9-3-6 (W-D-L), head to Columbus for an MLS matchup with the Crew. United lost to the Galaxy in the semifinals of the SuperLiga on Wednesday in LA. However, in MLS play United is on a near-month long winning streak! (OK, it's only two games, but still, it sounds good.) United is looking to build on their last road game, a 3-0 pasting of New England. For the season, United is 3-1-5 (W-D-L) on the road with an even goal differential. United (1.67 PPG) is in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, six points behind New England (1.71 PPG) with three games in hand. United is in 3rd place in the Supporter Shield race, led by New England and FC Dallas (1.80 PPG). United has two games in hand over Houston.

The Crew, 6-8-6 (W-D-L), are 1-1-1 in their last three games including last week's 3-2 loss to FC Dallas. Columbus are a very good home team with a 5-4-1 record and a +6 goal differential. They are in 5th place in the Eastern Conference (1.30 PPG), ten points behind New England with one game in hand, and in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United lost to the Crew back in April, 1-0. United should be completely healthy with no one out due to cards. Hopefully the coaching staff saw what the rest of us saw and Simms will return to the starting lineup. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Boswell, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Carroll, Gros, Kpene and Moose all could get in during the second half. This begins the toughest stretch of the season remaining. United has four of the next five on the road. If they can pull more than five points out of those four road games, United has a real shot at the Supporter's Shield.

Prediction:

DC United 1:0 Columbus Crew

2007-08-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

SuperLiga Semifinal

Let's try a running diary for this game which seems all the rage on the Internet these days...

I hate the starting eleven. Vanney and Carroll in the midfield will seriously slow down the attack.

Hard tackle by Beckham on Moreno. No ill intent. Yellow for Beckham was deserved.

Moreno almost beat Cannon from midfield. If the shot was in a corner rather than the middle, it would have gone in. That's an Etcheverry move.

Carroll is giving the ball away constantly, as per usual.

Hard tackle by Olsen on Beckham. Poking the ball first saved Benny from a yellow of his own.

This portion of the blog brought to you by Heineken.

Beckham's free kick was beautiful. It's much harder to stop it when you step the wrong way, Troy. Were you guessing?

Moreno is shoved off the ball in the box, that should have been a penalty.

Beckham is playing much better tonight than last Thursday. He is moving well and seeing the field. Not good for United.

36th minute. Carroll just kicked it into a Galaxy player's back from 6 yards away. He never looked up. Dreadful.

McTavish got away with a take down in the box. Also should have been a penalty.

Moreno came up hobbling after getting legs tangled. Eek.

Halftime: Gomez and Simms better be on the field at the start of the second half.

The first half was end to end action with lots of long passes and near misses. What was noticeably missing was any kind of possession. The midfield is not playing up to snuff.

Beckham is still playing at the start of the second 45. Good for MLS, bad for United.

Gomez is on for Vanney. No sign of Simms. Carrol wasn't traded at halftime for a bag of balls either.

Beckham sets up Donovan for a breakaway goal. Gros completely crapped the bed on that one slowing down and missing the ball while Landon ran past him. Then McTavish deflects it around Perkins who was in good position. A tough prospect just got tougher.

Emilio narrowly misses a goal. Nice reflex save from Cannon.

Cannon is on fire. He stops Emilio again point blank.

Audio problems are still annoying when they are speaking Spanish and you can't understand 90% of what they say.

Telefutura has resorted to showing every good looking Hispanic woman in the stands. Not a complaint, more of an observation.

This portion of the blog brought to you by State Farm.

Beckham just hit Donovan again wide open running down the wing. That's four times and one goal.

Free kick for LA. Beautiful save from Perkins on another bending ball from Becks.

More pretty women in the stands.

Carroll had his best play of the game so far chopping Martino down at midfield. He's running to the sideline. Could he be coming off? No, just instructions from the coach. An excerpt:

Sohen: You know all the stuff you've been doing so far tonight?

Carroll: Yeah?

Sohen: Quit it.

Looks like Kpene is next to come on. You know who I want him to come on for.

Emilio taken down inches outside the box. Really close to a penalty.

Beckham comes off after playing 62 minutes. He played a great game. Let's see if United can get things going now.

Galaxy just missed the third goal.

Wow, Kpene in for Boswell. He would have been tenth on my list of players to come off, right before Perkins. Moreno back to midfield it looks like and down to three defenders with Gros tracking back a lot and Namoff moving up.

Is it just me or can Fred only cross with his right? He just missed Emilio with a beautiful one, but to put it on his right foot from the left side, he needed to cut back and gave the defense time to adjust.

Twenty minutes to go. United needs a goal soon to have a chance.

Cobi Jones comes on for Martino. Didn't we have a moment of silence for the late Cobi at the game last Thursday?

Olsen has been surprisingly ineffective tonight.

Lots of crosses from the touchline going over everyone's head and out of bounds.

ATeleuturra wants us to vorte for the game MVP. I'm voting for D: Otro Jugador. I think he plays midfield for Galaxy.

Carroll just rocketed a shot from 35 yards away which Cannon pushed over the bar. He scored on one of those early last year. Coincidentally, his last good shot.

More women in the stands. This is great. I'm used to coach's wives or hot actresses dating/married to players. Random LA hotties is a nice change of pace. Well done Telefutura. Now please fix your sound issues and well get along just fine.

Gomez goes down in the box from a forearm in the back. Play on.

Xavier is an angry young man. Always with the yelling that guy.

Ten minutes to go. No pulse. Someone call 911!

Five minutes to go. Beginning CPR.

Four minuted to go. A Moose sighting!

Whistle.

Time of death, 11:59 PM.

DC United 0:2 LA Galaxy.

2007-08-14T23:18:00.000-04:00

Preview of SuperLiga Game 4 - DC United @ LA Galaxy

DC United travels to Los Angeles for a semifinal match against David Beckham and the Galaxy. If it seems like we just watched this game, well we did last Thursday. United won 1-0 on an Emilio goal. In the meantime, LA went to New England and lost another game 1-0 with Becks not setting foot on the field. The word on the street is that the man from England will start this one, his first start in any game since joining MLS. So get a nap in if you are in the DC area as this one starts late, 10 PM Eastern.

Other than Moose, whose name hasn't surfaced since his surgery, and Burch, who is out due to yellow card accumulation, everyone should be available. That being the case, I expect the starting lineup to be Perkins, Boswell, McTavish, Vanney, Namoff, Fred, Olsen, Gomez, Simms, Emilio, and Moreno. Kpene, Gros, and Carroll should get time in the second half.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 LA Galaxy

2007-08-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Two Months To Go - A Look Ahead

A very crowded schedule awaits DC United as they head into the final third of their regular season schedule. DC has put itself in fine position for a run to the playoffs, but the next four weeks may determine everything. While they have been dominating at home, on the road, DC is far from the same team. Their goal scoring (8 goals in 9 road games) and overall record of 3-1-5 (W-D-L), leave much to be desired and if they aren't able to correct the trend, the last month may be a drive to make the playoffs, not push for the Conference title or the Supporter's Shield, both of which are within reach. United has seven games in the next four weeks, six of which are MLS league games. Of those six games, four are road games. United will need to average 1.5 PPG in the road games and 2 PPG for the home games to keep pace with league leading New England and FC Dallas (1.80 PPG). Should they do that, DC will be at 51 points at the end of the regular season. New England and FC Dallas only need to average 1.5 points per game to reach 51 points. So the thought here is that it is a race to 54 points for the Supporter's Shield.

So looking ahead, here is how DC United gets the 24 points necessary by October 20th. Six games at home, six games on the road.

8/18 @Columbus W
8/22 NYRB W
8/25 @Toronto T
9/1 @ Dallas L
9/6 @ Chivas T
9/9 New England T
9/12 Real Salt Lake W
9/23 @ Chicago W
9/29 Toronto W
10/5 @ Kansas City L
10/13 Chicago W
10/20 Columbus W

So United needs to win seven and tie three out of twelve to get to 24 points. Looking at the schedule, it is possible, but not probable. United would need to really take advantage of the five out of seven at home to finish the season. Most likely United slips up a bit and loses three of the road games and one at home.

Since MLS went to the thirty game schedule, here are the point totals for the top three finishers. In 2006: 55, 52, and 48. In 2005: 64, 59, and 54. In 2004: 49, 49, and 43. In 2003: 53, 51, and 45.

My guess right now is United will finish with 50 points and in third place in the full table. From the three losses way back in April that started the season, that's a fine place to be heading into the playoffs.

2007-08-11T15:22:00.001-04:00

Game 18 - DC United 1:0 LA Galaxy

There are three different story lines following this game.

DC United moves into second place in the Eastern Conference and remains a Juggernaut at home. As bad as United has been on the road this year, they have been that good at home. More than two and a half goald per game, only one loss on the year, and a ten game unbeaten streak in all competitions. So, this makes winning the Eastern Conference even more important. Home field advantage could mean everything come the playoffs.

United's red card luck continues. This makes three of four where United is up 1-0 and is the beneficiary of an opponent's red card. Two of three they have won the game 1-0 and one 1-1 tie. This will not continue. Combine this with DC's recent run of futility near the goal and it could go bad for United if they can't muster the second goal on a semi regular basis.

A spectacular night for soccer at RFK caused me to wonder what the night would have been like at a soccer specific stadium like the one proposed at Poplar Point. If instead of 30,000 extra seats, there were only 7,000 extra seats, the demand would have been enormous. This is what United needs to move to the next level in the local sports pecking order. If on a normal night, you couldn't get good seats by walking up to the stadium, more people would buy tickets in advance. If on a good night, the game might sell out, even more people would buy tickets in advance. If more than a few games sell out, more people will buy season tickets. None of that happens when there are 15,000-30,000 tickets available every night.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Kpene) B-

Emilio nets a great goal but leaves a few on the field. Kpene looked better and dangerous.

Midfielders (Fred, Simms, Olsen, and Gros) B

Fred seemed a bit out of sorts in the first half sending passes with the wrong pace or just struck badly. He looked much better back on the wing with Olsen in the middle. Gros was very good, if not dangerous. With Burch in the back and Gros on the wing, United is better. Unfortunately for Josh, when Gomez is healthy, he is odd man out I think. Simms was consistent and defended well.

Defenders (Boswell, Namoff, McTavish, Brurch, and Perkins) A

Boswell was a beast marking Landon. Burch was great again and set up the lone goal with a very nice pass. Namoff and Mctavish I have no specific memories of, which for defenders is a good thing. Perkins was in complete control.

Substitutes (Moreno, Carroll, and Mediate) B

Moreno nearly had #109 and looked better than last week. Carroll and Mediate did nothing of note.

2007-08-10T01:29:00.000-04:00

Game 18 Quick Comments

Now that was a fun and frustrating night. A spectacular crowd, which reminded me of the crowds that would arrive when Michael Jordan would arrive in town with the Bulls. They wanted their team to win, but wanted MJ to score 50. Well, another #23 arrived in town and his every move was watched with eyes and binoculars, recorded with cameras, and screamed at when he did something new (warm up, put on his jersey, take off his jersey).

Thank goodness Emilio put away one of his half dozen chances because he and the rest of United couldn't hit the net tonight. United deserved to win, but they were awful at finishing.

Full recap tomorrow...

2007-08-08T09:41:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 18 - DC United vs LA Galaxy

DC United, 8-3-6 (W-D-L), come home for a Thursday night game against LA on national television. The big question is: Will David Beckham Play? The answer is probably not, and he probably shouldn't. I will be disappointed if he doesn't play like everyone else who has a ticket to this sold out game. But, the man is clearly injured. He did everything he could to play for Real Madrid when they needed him to secure the league title. I have to believe he is very aware of the criticism he and his team are receiving and if he could play, he would play. Maybe he makes a token appearance in the second half, but I hope it is only if he is healthy enough to do so. He signed a five year contract and will be coming back to DC every year. I for one will give the man a break and hope he is healthy enough to help the league expand it's reach later this year. If he can inspire one or two internationals, like Shevchenko, to come to MLS this winter, he will have succeeded in my mind, regardless of what he contributes on the field.

DC United looks to capitalize on its surprising and dominating win over Eastern Conference leading New England with four starters unavailable. Everyone trained this week, but Moreno (back) and Gomez (thigh) are still questionable. United has been very strong at home this season with a 5-2-1 (W-D-L) record and a +7 goal differential. United averages 2.63 goals per game at home in league play. They are in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference (1.59 PPG), six points behind New England (1.74 PPG) with two games in hand. They are in 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race, seven points behind Houston (1.70 PPG) with three games in hand.

The Galaxy, 3-5-5 (W-D-L), have only played three league games since the end of June (1-2-0) including Sunday's 0-0 tie with Toronto, and have played only thirteen league games all season. LA are 0-3-2 on the road season with a -3 goal differential. They are in 5th place in the Western Conference (1.08 PPG), twenty points behind Houston with seven (!) games in hand, and in 12th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United and the Galaxy tied their only meeting this year, 0-0 in LA. United will should have everyone available, if not in the starting lineup. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Kpene, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Namoff, Burch, McTavish, Boswell, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Carroll, Gros, and Moreno should get in during the second half. Beckham or no, United should outclass the Galaxy and build on their impressive victory in New England.

Prediction:

DC United 3:1 LA Galaxy

2007-08-05T22:29:00.000-04:00

Game 17 - DC United 3:0 New England Revolution

I have to say, I was not optimistic when I saw United's starting lineup. No Gomez, no Moreno, no Fred, and Dyachenko in the #10 spot. Where were the goals going to come from?

Turns out there was nothing to worry about as United scored three of them. So let's talk about the goals, as notable things happened on all of them. On the first goal, it seemed to me after watching the replay that for a split second, Matt Reis, the Revolution keeper, had his hand on the top of the ball before Josh Gros poked it away and into the goal. So what is the rule? According to the FIFA Laws of the Game, it is as follows:
The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.

So, it would seem to me that however brief it was, Reis was touching the ball with his hand a fraction of a second before Gros kicked it. United got lucky.

On the second goal, Kpene and Emilio executed flawlessly on a play from the middle of ther field. I can't remember the last time DC scored on a pass liker this. Beautiful.

The third goal is a mystery to me. Why you ask? It's because Comcast was showing player reactions instead of the quick restart by Emilio. His give and go with Olsen was a thing of beauty on replay, but we never saw the overhead view which would show if Emilio was onside on the return pass. This was a real problem during the game, especially during the second half. We didn't see the short free kick on the end line which the Revs almost scored on. So, was Emilio offside? No idea. However, onside or not, he took a well timed shot which went in despite the deflection by Reis. Come on, Comcast. You're better than that.

The Good:

Emilio notches two and plays well for the whole 90 minutes. He is now tied for the league lead in goals scored with Eddie Johnson.
Burch, Boswell, McTavish, and Namoff is a nice back line. Who goes off when Vanney heals up?
Even with all the midfielders and forwards unavailable, Brian Carroll is left out of the starting lineup. I call that significant and about time. Simms played well, and he was light years ahead of what Carroll had done recently.
Perkins was excellent, and played with a command that bodes well for the rest of the season.

The Bad:

Moreno leaves after 30 minutes due to back issues. Let's hope it was just a tweak.
Olsen gets another silly yellow card. Just a moronic play by Benny. I will be thinking of that one when the inevitable suspension due to yellow card accumulation happens sometime in September.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Kpene) A-

Kpene looked very good in 45 minutes of play. He seems to be almost fully fit. And Emilio, as mentioned above, was fantastic.

Midfielders (Dyachenko, Gros, Simms, and Olsen) B

Let's hope we don't get to the point where Dyachenko plays the attacking midfielder role again. Not that he was horrible, but he played far from inspiring soccer. Gros played nicely on the left and Olsen was adequate on the right. Simms seemed in control in the middle. Good game from this crew.

Defenders: (McTavish, Burch, Boswell, Namoff, and Perkins) A

A shutout speaks for itself. If Burch doesn't continue to start, Soehn and I will have a problem.

Substitutes: (Moreno, Carroll, and Mediate) C

Moreno still is suffering from a failure to make quick decisions which I think are directly related to how he is feeling. The healthier he feels, the more decisive he is. He seems to hold the ball much longer when he is not 100%. Today he was dispossessed a lot after dribbling into trouble. Carroll was not a factor and Mediate didn't make an impression either.

2007-08-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 17 - DC United at New England Revolution

DC United, 7-3-6 (W-D-L), heads to New England for a Sunday afternoon matchup with the Eastern Conference leading Revolution. DC continues to struggle on the road with a 2-1-5 record and a -3 goal differential. United averages 0.63 goals per game on the road in league play. They have been shut out four different times as well. Jamie Moreno and Guy-Roland Kpene should both be available to play the full 90, so United should have a more potent offense than they have been able to trot out there recently. They are in 5th place in the Eastern Conference (1.50 PPG), nine points behind New England (1.83 PPG) with two games in hand. They are in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race, ten points behind Houston (1.79 PPG) with three games in hand.

New England (9-6-3) are unbeaten in their last six games (4-2-0) including Thursday's 2-0 win against Kansas City. The Revs are 4-4-1 at home this season with a +10 goal differential. They are in 1st place in the Eastern Conference (1.83 PPG), four points clear of Kansas City with one game in hand, and in 2nd place in the Supporter's Shield race, one point behind Houston.

United and the Revs tied their only meeting this year, 1-1 at RFK. United will be very tired as this is their 5th game in fifteen days. With Moreno, Kpene and Namoff available and Vanney quesionable and, I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Namoff, Burch, Gros, Boswell, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Kpene and Simms should get in during the second half. I'd prefer to see Simms in place of Carroll, but I'm not hopeful.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 New England Revolution

2007-08-01T22:01:00.000-04:00

SuperLiga Game 3 - DC United 0:1 Houston Dynamo

What to take from the loss:

DC United needs Moreno on the field. I don't know if it is him or the rest of the team, but when he is on the field, everything seems to flow more smoothly.
Moreno took a cheap shot in the box from behind right in front of the referee. Should have been a penalty.
Direct evidence of why Boswell isn't a forward. Swing and a miss!
Kpene isn't nearly as skilled as I thought he was earlier in the year.
Carroll still hasn't played a good game this year, regardless of the competition. He was finally subbed out by Simms with under ten minutes to play. I just don't know what the coaches see in Carroll.
I'm not sure who hired the officials for these games, but they have been consistently one sided. Game one was pathetic at 22-6 for fouls, game two was better at 18-15 against DC, game three was 20-15.

EDIT: With the Club America win over Morelia, United is through to the semifinals.

2007-07-30T10:58:00.000-04:00

SuperLiga Through Two Games

DC United is tied atop the Group B standings with 4 points along with Houston Dynamo. Morelia is in third with 2 points and Club America is in fourth with no points and is eliminated from advancing to the semifinals. United and Houston will go through with win, or a tie and a Morelia loss or tie, or a Morelia loss. DC and Dynamo play on Wednesday in Houston.

United has looked good in their first two games. The games appeared very similar in how they developed. DC takes an early 1-0 lead, the opposition has a player sent off, and United tries to hang on. Against Morelia, a volley from distance into the upper corner against the run of play cost United the full three points. United seemed to learn from that mistake and controlled the midfield and the pace of the game against Club America on Sunday.

I watched the game with my father-in-law, a Brazilian born soccer nut and he had some interesting comments on United's personnel. He was very impressed with Burch. His crosses were useful and he seemed to mesh well with Fred. He was very excited by the first half that Gomez had and was raving about him during the halftime. He could see Fred was very talented but still acclimating to the wing as he kept drifting to the center on occasion. Emilio had an off night, but he could see the vision. He loved Simms as a sub and wondered why he didn't start. And because I wear the #14 to all games, he took a particular interest in Olsen and saw why he is my favorite.

So this experience has caused me to look at what my "Ideal Eleven" would be at this point in the season. This assumes complete health for all players on the roster.

...................................Perkins.................................

Namoff.............Boswell...............Vanney.................Burch

...................................Simms...................................

..............Olsen..........................................Fred.........

....................................Gomez..................................

......................Moreno.....................Emilio................

Subs:

McTavish
Carroll the Elder
Gros
Addlery
Kpene
Moose
Nolly

So there is your 18 man game day roster. I firmly believe that group wins the Eastern Conference.

And on a side note, I hope DC United and the District officials have a plan in place to open as many parking lots as possible for the LA Galaxy game which is now sold out. Trying to force all cars through Lot 8 and letting that overflow into Lot 7 is a slow, painful process. Please, please, please open Lot 7 completely with multiple entrances. Lot 7 is gigantic, easily accessible from two exits off I-295 and always underutilized by those in charge. Have four people at each entrance to all lots taking money, not one or two. I really don't want to have to leave 2 hours early for that game to be in my seat at kickoff.

2007-07-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

Game 16 - DC United 0:1 New York Red Bulls

Quick recap...

This result is not a surprise given the lack of personnel available. Moreno, Olsen, Namoff, Kpene, and Moose were all sidelined. So, Burch got the start along with Simms, Gros moved back to midfield, and the result was a reduced attack. Not that there weren't chances. Boswell narrowly missed twice. Addlery had a great chance as well.

Now, the missed call on Fred in the box was atrocious. His jersey was torn for goodness sake. But, I am tired of blaming officials. United was outplayed. Fred got a red for being stupid, Carroll was invisible again, and DC's depth was show to be a bit lacking at this point in the season. Hopefully the SuperLiga will be a better result.

Grades:

Forward (Emilio) C
Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Gros, Simms, and Carroll) C+
Defenders (McTAvish, Vanney, Boswell, Burch, and Perkins) B-
Subs (deRoux and Addlery) B-

2007-07-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

Preview of Game 16 - DC United at New York Red Bulls

DC United, 7-3-5 (W-D-L), travels up the NJ Turnpike for a Sunday afternoon game looking to rebound from the second half collapse against Dallas last week. Jamie Moreno left the game with a hamstring injury and his availability is questionable. United's bench is very thin so Moreno's ability to play will be key to their chances to post three points this week. DC has been struggling on the road with a 2-1-4 record and a -2 goal differential. They are in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference (1.60 PPG), two points behind New England (1.73 PPG). They are in 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race, nine points behind Houston (1.83 PPG) with three games in hand.

NYRB (7-3-6)has won only one of their last six games (1-1-4) including last week's 1-0 loss to New England. They also only have two wins since May. Perhaps their hot start in April (3-1-0) was similar to United's cold one (0-1-3), not indicative of the real strength of the team. Midfielder Claudio Reyna has not been on form the last few weeks and was pulled early during the 4-0 drubbing by Houston two weeks ago. Juan Pablo Angel hasn't scored in four games. However, Josy Altidore should be back from the U-20 tournament and in the starting lineup which makes them a much more dangerous team. NYRB are 4-1-2 at home this season with a +9 goal differential. They are also in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference (1.50 PPG), two points behind New England, and in 5th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United has had great success against the Red Bulls over the last few years in a very one sided rivalry. With a win, United will clinch the Atlantic Cup for the fourth straight year. Moreno and Namoff are questionable for this game and Moose is out after having groin surgery to repair a hernia. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Moreno, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Vanney, McTavish, Gros, Boswell, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Kpene and Simms should get in during the second half.

EDIT: Since Moose, Namoff, Kpene, Moreno and Olsen won't make the trip, this is going to be quite the interesting lineup. Addlery is the obvious choice to replace Moreno. The midfielder is more interesting. I'd go with Simms, but Mediate and Jeff Carroll are also options. A more remote possibility is Burch on the backline, with Gros moving to winger. What Soehn does will be very interesting. I'm actually very intrigued now as to what he does.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 New York Red Bulls

EDIT: With all the substututes, new Prediction:

DC United 1:2 New York Red Bulls

2007-07-16T10:22:00.000-04:00

Ralston: MLS Career Assist Leader

Steve Ralston moved into first place on the all time MLS career assist list this weekend with number 115, breaking his tie with Carlos Valderama.

2007-07-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

Game 15 - DC United 3:3 FC Dallas

Let me get a few thoughts off my chest which have nothing to do with what I think caused this result.

Brian Carroll doesn't get involved with the offense, he doesn't make good passes, and he doesn't track back when the defense is in trouble. And now, he doesn't mark his man and slow down his movement towards the goal. So what good is he doing on the field? To say I am not happy with his play would be a grotesque understatement. I've never been impressed with him, but I was convinced by others that he did the little things to help his team win. Nope, not buying it anymore.
After being up 3:0, the team again got complacent and gave up the quick goal and that put Houston back in the game. This has to stop. Which when followed by Moreno leaving with a hammy, you could see United deflate for about 25 minutes.
The referee was very questionable, but not the reason for the loss. He just made it easier for Dallas to come back. And the linesman on the Barra Brava side was horrendous. We sit even with the top of the 18 yard box at the La Norte end of the field, and watched him make mistake after mistake all game long. Painful.

Now the reason why I think United lost? We have a bigger drop off in talent from starting eleven to substitutes than at any time I can remember. There is really no question who should be in the starting lineup except for two positions where it isn't that the player on the bench is really good and pushing for minutes, but the starter is playing badly or out of position. You could argue, as I would, that Simms should start over Carroll, and that Namoff is better than McTavish and/or Gros, but when in the history of United has there been a time when there was no one on the bench you were hoping would get the call in the second half to spark the team. Now, you are hoping no subs are made in case something like tonight happens: a complete drop off in production as when Moreno was replaced by Kpene and Olsen was replaced by Simms.

The Good:

Emilio was tremendous. His spacing was great, his finishing was textbook, and his presence was felt all over the field.
Fred had another good game and is now consistently more dangerous than Gomez over the course of 90 minutes.
Moreno had one of his best halves of the season.

The Bad:

Perkins was at fault for the second and third goals. He should have charged the second goal and he misplayed the third goal by coming out and missing it.
Carroll, as discussed above, was an empty shirt.
Vanney and Boswell did not have a good game. Not sure what the problem is, but FC Dallas had wide open people in the box continuously in the last 45 minutes.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) A+

The two best players on the field in Black and Red.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Carroll the Elder, and Olsen) B-

Fred and Olsen were good. Gomez was okay. I'm not sure Carroll was on the field.

Defense (Boswell, Vanney, Gros, McTavish, and Perkins) C

Along with Carroll, losing the three goal lead falls to this group. No team at any level should lose a three goal advantage.

Subs (Kpene and Simms) D

Kpene wiffed on a great setup inside the box and was consistently pushed off the ball. I don't know if he is still hurt, but he didn't seem to have his normal quickness. Simms wasn't much of a factor in only a few minutes of play.