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