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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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