Preview of Game 12 - DC United vs Colorado Rapids

United, 5-2-4 (W-D-L), enters this game after their worst performance since April, a 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake. United will be very shorthanded with Boswell, Olsen, and Moreno missing due to Copa America national team duty. As a result, some of the younger players will get a chance to play the full 90. DC is 4-1-1 at home this season with a +4 goal differential. They are in 4th place in the Eastern Conference (1.55 PPG), five points behind New England (1.83 PPG) with one game in hand. They are in 6th place in the Supporter's Shield race, eight points behind FC Dallas (1.67 PPG) with four games in hand.

Colorado comes to DC to on a four game loosing streak including last week's 1-0 loss to FC Dallas. The Rapids are 2-4-0 on the road this season with a -3 goal differential. They are in 4th place in the Western Conference (1.15 PPG), ten points behind FC Dallas (1.67 PPG), and in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United failed to win the easy one against the MLS' worst team, Real Salt Lake, so now they need to regroup on a short week to prepare for a streaking Rapids team on Thursday Night Soccer. With Boswell, Olsen, and Moreno out of the country, I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Kpene, Gomez, Fred, Simms, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, McTavish, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Dyachenko, Addlery, and Moose should get in during the second half. I hope I am wrong, but this could easily be a one goal stinker of a game.

EDIT: It appears that Namoff will be unavailable due to a hamstring issue. So, Moose should replace him and we may see a return to the 3-5-2 formation. Kpene and Emilio up top, Fred and Moose on the wings, Gomez, Carroll, and Simms in the middle, and McTavish, Erpen and Gros in the back. Eeek. And the rain may come crashing down. Bring your umbrellas.

Prediction:

DC United 1:0 Colorado Rapids

Game 11 - DC United 1:2 Real Salt Lake

It took me a while to muster up the motivation to recap this disastrous game. DC came in looking as good as they have in 10 months. Seven game unbeaten streak, 7 goals in their last two games, and only missing one player from the starting eleven. RSL is the dregs of MLS, can't score, can't defend, can't win. Ninety minutes later, you'd have been forgiven if you thought the teams switched uniforms before kickoff.

The Good:

• Nolly wasn't as bad as I thought he would be. I have to say, I am not happy with the decision to give him the start. Starting every game shouldn't be a problem for a goalie with no injury issues. This isn't hockey.
• Kpene, Emilio, and Fred make something out of nothing to end the shutout. Not a pretty goal, but at least it went in.

The Bad:

• Boswell made huge errors, one of which lead to the breakaway goal. And I can't stand this constant raising of the hand to indicate offsides every time a defender gets beaten. What ever happened to a player putting his head down and getting back in the play?
• Dyachenko, Forward. Can we end this experiment now? Maybe a year or two from now, he may be a great target forward. But now, today, this minute, his goal last week not withstanding, he isn't an MLS quality forward. Kpene and Moose are definitely more effective.

Grades:

Forwards (Dyachenko and Emilio) C

Emilio is the unsung hero of this team. He is constantly tracking back to midfield when it is necessary. But he never shirks he responsibilities up front. I am thrilled to have him on the team and look forward to years of him in a DC United uniform. Dyachenko, ugh.

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

Fred looked good again, but not much else from this group.

Defense (Erpen, Namoff, Gros, McTavish, and Perkins) C-

We're back to the all or nothing defense. When they keep their man in front and play with their legs rather than try to either make the spectacular play or mess up the offside trap, they are very successful.

Subs (Addlery, Simms, and Kpene) C+

I remember nothing of note from Addlery and Simms. Kpene should have started and his clever flick into the box with his back turned led to the lone DC goal.

Preview of Game 11 - DC United at Real Salt Lake

United now has a seven game unbeaten streak, 5-2-0 (W-D-L), including last week's 3-1 win over Chicago. United has scored 7 goals in their last two games, their two highest outbursts of the year. DC is 1-1-2 at home this season with a -1 goal differential. They are in 4th place in the Eastern Conference (1.70 PPG), 4 points behind NYRB (1.75 PPG) with 2 games in hand. They are in 6th place in the Supporter's Shield race, 5 points behind FC Dallas (1.57 PPG) with an amazing four games in hand.

Real Salt Lake welcomes DC to Utah looking record their first win of the MLS season. Salt Lake has only scored 2 goals in their last 4 league matches and a pathetic nine all season. Their record (0-6-5) is the worst in MLS. RSL is 0-3-2 at home with a -3 goal differential. They are in 6th place in the Western Conference (0.55 PPG), 16 behind FC Dallas, and in 13th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

These are the games when you "harvest your nuts" as Wizards coach Eddie Jordan so poetically put it. What he means is win the games you should win so that when winter comes (@KC, @HOU, FCD, and @NYRB) you are in the best shape possible. United will not be satisfied without the full 3 points this weekend and 3 more next Thursday against Colorado. RSL is quite simply a mess, and they are pissed off because they were promised Adu would be available for this game. Instead, he is with the U-20 team preparing for next month's tournament in Canada. Moreno is still with Bolivia for a few more games and Casal is away with his national team. Boswell (red card) and Kpene (injury) should both be available. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Kpene, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, McTavish, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins a 4-4-2 formation. Dyachenko, Simms, and Moose should get in during the second half. Maybe this is the week Kpene gets his first goal? And this is the first game in the Ben Cup for 2007. Let's all get behind this great idea.

Prediction:

DC United 2:0 Real Salt Lake

Game 10 - DC United 3:1 Chicago Fire

DC took advantage of several gifts from the Fire this week. It's a simple statement, but it is a very accurate way to sum up game 10 on the schedule. And how many points are missed in the standings because a team is unable to take what is given to them? So, good show from United this week. Well done, Dyachenko and Emilio, for finishing the easy chances. Seven games since the last loss is a great accomplishment no matter how it happens.

The Good:

Erpen was very steady for the second week in a row. He may have been at fault for the goal, but there were three or four other players who could have cleared the ball before Erpen misplayed the situation.

• Emilio's two goals were exactly what United thought it was getting when they signed him. Someone who can make the hard stuff look easy and be a good target inside the 18 yard box.
• Both Gros and McTavish looked very good at the back and Gros and Namoff were moving well up into the attack on the wings.

The Bad:

• Perkins misplayed the shot which resulted in the goal. He claimed some sort of field irregularity contributed to the gaffe. If he says so...
• Fred looked very tired during the last 15 minutes. I was shocked he wasn't subbed out as he was clearly gassed. Not really a fitness issue, but more of a "he ran until he couldn't run no more" situation.

Grades:

Forwards (Dyachenko and Emilio) B+

Nice lob shot from Emilio and two fortunate bounces which were converted for three goals from the forwards.

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

All the problems from the first three games are gone. No more ridiculous giveaways from Carroll, Gomez was involved in the attack and distributing well, and Fred and Olsen were pushing up the sidelines and testing the Fire's backline.

Defense (Erpen, Namoff, Gros, McTavish, and Perkins) A-

The one goal was not good, but they were dominating in the first half. The second half wasn't quite as good, but still an above average effort. Overall, their game should result in a win every week.

Subs (Adderly, Simms, and Moose) B

Another good week from Moose. Simms played fine, but Adderly looked a bit lost out there when it came to linking up passed and moving into open space.

Preview of Game 10 - DC United vs Chicago Fire

United is on a six game unbeaten streak, 4-2-0 (W-D-L), including last week's 4-2 drubbing of NYRB. DC is 3-1-1 at home this season with a +2 goal differential. DC United is in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 points behind NYRB with 2 games in hand. They are in 7th place in the Supporter's Shield race, 8 points behind FC Dallas. FC Dallas has played four more games than United at this point, however.

Chicago comes to DC with only one win since April (1-1-5). Chicago is 1-1-3 on the road with a -6 goal differential. Like United, The Fire is in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, 6 behind NYRB, and in 7th place in the Supporter's Shield race with 2 games in hand.

While this rivalry doesn't have the same venom as the DC-NY matchups, this is arguably the most competitive series in United history. United looks to extend their season best results streak to seven games against a Chicago team looking for direction. Moreno will be with Bolivia for the next four games at a minimum and Boswell is out due to his double yellow last week, so changes are afoot. I expect the starting eleven to be Emilio, Kpene, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, McTavish, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins in the same 4-4-2 formation. Casal, Dyachenko and Moose should get in during the second half. Look for United be very aggressive early after last week's offensive output. If Kpene is fit, I see him notching his first goal and solidifying his place as Moreno's replacement.

Prediction:

DC United 3:0 Chicago Fire

Game 9 - DC United 4:2 New York Red Bulls

Now that was a soccer game right from the 2004 and early 2006 archives. See the specifics below, but the overall impression was that DC saw NY as a quality opponent and brought the 'A' game from the start. And let's just say I was thrilled with Benny's performance. I have faithfully worn my #14 jersey for years and have never been prouder to do so than today. Hats off to my favorite player.

The Good:

• Excellent flow on offense. Moreno, Gomez and Fred serviced Emilio and Olsen (!) on numerous occasions, resulting in four goals. There were at least three others which required highlight reel saves from their goalie.
  
• Multiple points of attack resulted in pressure from the edges on crosses and diagonal runs, pressure up the middle on nice builds through possession passing, and long balls due to NY pressing for goals late in the game.
  
• Erpen had an excellent game, especially after Boswell was sent off.

The Bad:

• I hate doing this, but it has to be said: Brian Hall, the match official, was tremendously one sided in his calls. Boswell was sent off for two normal fouls which were nothing to look twice at and the second yellow was abysmal. There were 10 calls he didn't call on NY which were five times as physical and what you would call professional fouls. I usually like Hall's games. This was really bad.
  
• Giving up the quick goal was unfortunate and when paired with the goal they gave up after saving the penalty a few games ago, leads me to think that they need to keep their concentration immediately after big events during the game.
  

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio and Moreno) A-

Luciano and Jamie were excellent creating from the chances created by the midfielders and Jamie was great when United was reduced to ten men by keeping possession and finding the open man. Emilio tallied the second goal to end his drought and was dangerous with his back to the goal, almost scoring another on a nice pivot shot in the box.

Midfielders (Fred, Gomez, Olsen, Carroll the Elder) A

Olsen was the clear MVP with three goals. He made the most of his chances and had his most productive game in years. He seems to be much more comfortable on the wing now that he's had a few games playing there exclusively. If he and Fred can get on the same page in play interchangeably, it will make things very difficult on the opposition. Fred set up a beautiful goal and had just been robbed of another when Gomez floated his over the crossbar. Carroll was steady in a very quiet match from him other than two or three attempts on goal from distance.

Defense (Boswell, Erpen, Namoff, Gros, and Perkins) B+

Boswell was absolutely jobbed on his two cards, however Erpen raised his game after Bobby left. It bodes well for next week when Bobby will be unavailable. Gros made a beautiful cross that Olsen threw his head onto for the first goal. Just a wonderful ball. Gros and Namoff played well on the outside and Perkins was in command of the box. The first goal was off a deflection and he was not at fault. Honestly I didn't see the second goal as I was still celebrating Benny's hat trick.

Subs (Moose, McTavish, Burch) B

Moose played very well as the only sub to get more than 5 minutes. He ran well and kept the ball out of NY hands when they were desperate for goals.

Overheard in Section M-32:

After watching Brian Hall give more fouls to United, more cards to United, and then sending Boswell off, we were sure that the next logical step in the progression was a penalty to NY when they were down 2-1. Luckily United kept possession for long stretches and there was no contact in the box to give Hall a chance to screw that up too.

Game 8 - DC United 0:0 LA Galaxy

This was a game of three parts. And a boring one at that.

Part I: Why Use What Has Been Working When You Can Try Something New?

Boy, Namoff looked comfortable on the left side, huh? And whose bright idea was it to put Simms on the back line? This opening lineup was the weirdest I can remember in a long time. Everyone keeps saying that Gros is going to need a dozen games at least to get comfortable. He looked better the last few games. So the logical conclusion is what? Switch it up, of course. Namoff was awful, Simms was ineffective, and Gros was invisible. Well done by all.

Part II: Hard to Port! Full Reverse! Oh, No! We're Doomed!

So, that didn't work, so Simms to central midfield, Olsen to the wing, Namoff to the right, and Gros back to the backline on the left. This, the preferred lineup in my house, was able to settle down the defense, but there was very little in the way of offense. Fred was able to be a little dangerous, but Moreno was almost playing midfield in order to get the ball. And the giveaways were constant and maddening.

Part III: You Mean We Need To Play Offense Too?

Finally, Gomez and Fred were able to start finding Emilio and Moreno up top and push the LA defense. Nothing really dramatic, but far from the inept play of the beginning parts of the game.

Add 'em all up and you get? A scoreless draw which wasn't even as exciting as the scoreline would indicate.

Brief grades:

Forwards (Moreno and Emilio) B-

Midfielders (Olsen, Gros, Gomez, and Fred) C

Defense (Simms, Erpen, Boswell, Namoff, and Perkins) B+

Subs (Kpene, Casal, Dyachenko) C

Preview of Game 8 - DC United at Los Angeles

Three wins in a row for DC United and undefeated in their last four, 3-1-0 (W-D-L), including last week's 2-1 victory over Houston. DC is 1-0-2 at home this season with a -1 goal differential. DC United is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, 7 points behind New England and New York with 2 games in hand on New England and 1 in hand on New York. They are in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race, also lead by New England and New York.

Los Angeles enters the game with an 1-0-2 record on the road and an even goal differential. The Galaxy are winless in their last three league games including a 1-0 shutout at Colorado last weekend. LA is in 5th place in the Western Conference, 11 behind FC Dallas and in 12th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

This game matches the two teams who have played the least amount of MLS games in 2007. United because of a scheduling gap in case they made it to the finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and Galaxy due to a backend heavy schedule due to Becks' arrival in midsummer. United looks to extend their season best results streak to five games and four wins in a row against a very average LA team. I expect the starting eleven to be Moreno, Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, Boswell, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins in the same 4-4-2 formation. Kpene and Simms should get in during the second half. Look for United to run the offense through Fred and be very physical with Landon Donovan. Boswell should never be more than 5 yards from him when he is over midfield.

Prediction:

DC United 1:1 LA Galaxy

Preview of Game 7 - DC United vs Houston Dynamo

DC United is finally on a roll in 2007. United is undefeated in their last three, 2-1-0 (W-D-L) including last week's 2-1 victory over TFC. DC is 1-1-1 at home this season with a -1 goal differential. DC United is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind New England and New York with 2 games in hand. They are in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race, also lead by New England and New York.

Houston Dynamo enters the game with an 1-0-2 record at home and an even goal differential. Houston has have lost their last two matches and four of their last five. Houston is in 4th place in the Western Conference, 9 behind FC Dallas and in 8th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United should have all hands on deck for this game. I expect the starting eleven to be Moreno, Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, Boswell, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins in the same 4-4-2 formation. Kpene and Casal should get in during the second half. Unfortunately I will not be at the game because I will be in North Carolina and I can't record it due to the fact that it is only on HDNet. So unless the house I have rented has that channel, no dice here. I can't remember the last time I missed two games in a row. Disappointing.

Prediction:

DC United 3:2 Houston Dynamo

DC United to Play in Copa Sudamericana

Boy is it going to be busy in July and August. DC is already scheduled for 9 games in 35 days. Now United has added another series of home and homes which should start in late August. I am of two minds about this. On the one hand, I am more focused on winning the MLS Cup and I don't want anything to distract from that. I see this as an enormous opportunity to get injured and exhausted at the exact wrong time of the year. On the other hand, since United's chances of winning the MLS Cup is probably 8 to 1, the more tournaments they enter, the better chance of having some sort of trophy to add to the case at the end of 2007.

Game 6 - DC United 2:1 Toronto FC

Due to a scheduling snafu (I could have sworn it was a 7 PM kickoff) I didn't see the game. For a complete recap, please head over to The DCenters.

Preview of Game 6 - DC United at Toronto FC

DC United should be rested, healthy and hungry after 12 days with no matches. DC is undefeated in their last two games (4 points). DC United is 0-0-2 on the road this season with a -2 goal differential. DC United is in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind New England. They are in 11th place in the Supporter's Shield race, also lead by New England.

Toronto FC enters the game with an 2-0-1 record at home and a +2 goal differential. Toronto won their last two matches after not winning in their first 4 of their inaugural season. Toronto is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, 8 behind New England and in 10th place in the Supporter's Shield race.

United will have both Fred and Clyde Simms available but not McTavish. Interestingly, McTavish has been described as a "slow healer" by the team in what appears to be a not so friendly shot at the youngster. I expect the starting eleven to be comprised of Moreno, Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, Boswell, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins. Kpene, Casal and Moose should all get in during the second half. In the first meeting between United and Toronto, I expect a pretty boring game. United will try to dictate tempo and Toronto will try to extend the winning streak.

Prediction:

DC United 0:0 Toronto FC

Game 5 - DC United 2:1 Chivas USA

What an odd but satisfying game. It started with a very strange lineup, which included Kpene and Moose but no Emilio. Brian Carroll received another start, whether it is deserved is another matter. It was a 4-4-2 formation for the second straight game which led directly to a very dull 0-0 first half which United seemed to have the better of. Moose, in his first start had two good chances, one of which nearly connected with Gomez as he ran to the post. Only one card in a first half which was well judged by the match official, Kevin Stott. United opened the second half with one substitute, Moose came off in favor of Casal. Gomez put United on the board with a very acrobatic scissor kick about shoulder level off a neat little flick from Kpene. United 1, Chivas USA 0. Casal was also very dangerous from the start of the half, including a sequence where he maneuvered down the left side and cut back to the box. The defender was beaten and resorted to kicking Casal in the chest just inside the box. Penalty! Moreno non chalantly chipped the ball over the sprawling goalie reminiscent of what Zedane did in the World Cup last summer. Now last year, United would have immediately subbed in 2 defenders and a midfielder and removed all the attacking players except for Adu, who would have been the lone player harassing the other team. In an obvious change of strategy, Emilio and deRoux came in for United for Kpene and Gomez. United kept up the attack and was able to keep Chivas from packing it in the United end for the balance of the game. Seven cards from Stott interrupted the flow of the match. I'll never understand some of the cards MLS officials hand out. Simply maddening. The lone United mistake came from Gros who seemed overwhelmed with his defensive responsibilities as the left back. He was beaten repeatedly in the second half and fell down numerous times when Chivas ran at him. In all, a much better performance. Best of the season in fact. Numerous subs were used, and the played well with the regulars. Nice to finally have three points in the book even if it took 5 games to get them.

The Good:

• Kpene continues to impress with his ability to maintain possession. He and Moreno worked well together along with Gomez and Olsen.
• Carroll didn't assist on any goals for the opposition.
• Perkins was excellent.

The Bad:

• Gros seemed over matched at left back.
• Emilio was strangely on the bench for the first 65 minutes. Did he need rest?
• The officiating was terrible in the last 40 minutes.

Grades:

Forwards (Moreno, Kpene) B

Well played game by both. Moreno seemed to tire towards the end.

Midfielders (Olsen, Gomez, Moose, Carroll the Elder) B+

Much better play from this group. Olsen seemed like the Benny of old, controlling the play, distributing well, well organized. Gomez scored a brilliant goal off the corner and Moose showed flashes. Carroll didn't wet the bed, an improvement.

Defense (Erpen, Boswell, Namoff, Gros, Perkins) B

Very good game for the most part. Erpen had a "Flying Facundo" which he pulled off, but was able to stay in front of the Chivas forwards for the most part. Much improved play from him in the middle as opposed to on the right. Perkins was great. He was not at fault on the lone goal.

Subs (Casal, Emilio, deRoux) B+

Casal draws the penalty, Emilio and deRoux keep the pressure on Chivas for the second half. Exactly what was required in this game.

Preview of Game 5 - DC United vs Chivas USA

DC United enters the game fresh off their best MLS performance of 2007. Unfortunately that isn't saying much as it only resulted in a draw. DC United is 0-1-1 at home this season with a -2 goal differential. DC United is in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, nine points behind Chicago and New York. They are in 12th place in the Supporter's Shield race, also lead by Chicago and New York.

Chivas USA enters the game with an 0-0-2 record on the road and an even goal differential. Chivas lost their last game to LA Galaxy 3-1. Chivas is in 6th place in the Supporter's Shield race, four behind New York and Chicago and in 3rd place in the Western Conference, one point behind Colorado and FC Dallas. Chivas has alternated wins and losses in their four games this season.

Fred may not be able to go the whole 90 or at all depending on the severity of his injury which forced him off the field on Thursday. Moreno didn't start last game but I expect him in the starting eleven in this game along with Emilio, Gomez, Fred, Olsen, Simms, Erpen, Boswell, Gros, Namoff, and Perkins. After a nice debut, expect to see Kpene get a longer look, possibly the who second half. Chivas has never played well on the road. They don't score will away from home either.

Prediction:

DC United 2:1 Chivas USA

Ellinger Out, Kreis Out and In at RSL

Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts fired coach John Ellinger Thursday. Checketts named forward Jason Kreis Ellinger's replacement. Kreis also retired as a player.

There are a few DC United angles on this story. One of the reasons given for RSL's pursuit and eventual trade for Freddy Adu was his relationship with Ellinger from his days on the U-17 national team. Ellinger will stay on as Technical Director among other duties.

This also means that Jamie Moreno is now the active MLS leader in career goals. He is now two behind the Kreis after his penalty conversion against New England. Look for Jamie to move into first place later this summer.

Game 4 - DC United 1:1 New England Revolution

Well, that was a little better. United started the game in a 4-4-2 formation with Gros, Boswell, Erpen, and Namoff on the back line. Fred, Olsen, Gomez, and Simms manned the midfield and Emilio was joined by a newcomer, Nicholas Adderly, up front. The first half had United with the better of play. Fred was very dangerous on the right wing and with darting diagonal runs to the box. Emilio, Gomez, and Fred played well together to keep the Revolution back line on their toes. United's defense was well organized and other than one Erpen bad pass, played well. That all changed in the first minute of the second half. Namoff played a bad ball which was intercepted and forced Erpen to go out wide and cover for him. Instead of putting the ball out of bounds and allowing the defense to reset itself, Erpen played a high ball to the center of the field which landed at the feet of the Revolution and they moved forward with purpose. Ten seconds later, the Revs were on the board and another give away in the back resulted in numbers for the opponent.

United responded a few minutes later with a long ball to Moreno, who replaced Adderly at the half, on the right side of the box. Reis and Reiley converged on Moreno and Reis would have had the ball easily. However, Reiley shouldered Moreno aside and Jamie ended up on the ground. Penalty! Jamie converted the penalty and all was even again. Shalrie Joseph was ejected on a late challenge which was too far away for me to judge. Fred went down in the 79th minute and was replaced by another newcomer, Guy Kpene. There were three hand balls in the box which were not called during the last 30 minutes, two by the Revolution and one by Carroll the Elder. United attacked with a flurry of shots including one of the crossbar, a spectacular save by Reis, and a cowardly no call in the box by the ref on a ball played by the arm of a Revs defender in extra time. Alas, the go-ahead-goal was not to be. All in all, a better effort, but three points were there to be had on this night.

The Good:

• The new players shined tonight. Emilio, Fred, and Kpene were particularly dangerous.
• Eighty-nine good minutes of defense.

The Bad:

• Gros was invisible for most of the game. Maybe his defensive responsibilities were the cause, but you could be forgiven if you didn't remember he even played.
• One minute of bad defense.
• Unable to take advantage of more than 20 minutes of the man advantage.

Grades:

Forwards (Adderly, Emilio) B-

Emilio was dangerous for good stretches of the game, but Adderly was largely invisible.

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

Olsen played very well for a large part of the game, but seemed to tire towards the end. He took three shots from distance in the second half, probably two more than he should. Fred and Gomez were very effective in the the middle 30 minutes especially. Did Simms actually play? I can't remember a single sequence he was involved in other than running off the field to be replaced by Brian Carroll.

Defense (Boswell, Erpen, Namoff, Gros, Perkins) C+

Boswell and Perkins played very efficiently. Erpen and Namoff both made mistakes leading to the only goal.

Subs (Moreno, Carroll the Elder, Kpene) B

Moreno drew the penalty and was very effective throughout the second half. Might he be most effective as a second half replacement? Something to consider. Carroll the Elder did nothing to warrant his regaining his starting spot. Who should it go to? Kpene was great. Admittedly he played only for about 15 minutes, but I really liked his style and skill.

Preview of Game 4 - DC United vs New England Revolution

It's desperation time for DC United. Tied for last place in the league, United is 0-0-3 and needs to show significant improvement against the Revolution. United is 0-0-1 at home this season with a -2 goal differential. United is tied for last place in the Eastern Conference, ten points behind first place New York and Chicago, with a game in hand. DC is also in last place in the Supporters Shield race, which New York and Chicago also lead.

New England Revolution are 2-1-1 on a 3 game unbeaten streak. New England is 1-1-1 on the road with an even goal differential. They are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind New York and Chicago. They are in fourth place in the Supporters Shield race, seven points behind New York.

Early indications are that John Wilson will get a turn on the back line and Facundo Erpen and Devon McTavish will start on the bench. The 3-5-2 formation will survive for another week. Of most importance in my mind is the performance of Brian Carroll. He must cut down on the give aways. After being pulled at the half last game, one hopes he was read the riot act. If this leads to him occasionally looking up to see who is in front of him before making a pass, nothing but good can result from it. Three points are too much to expect. I'll be happy with a point. It'll be a step in the right direction. One last note, Twellman has scored 12 goals in 17 games against United. Take note, defense. Do not leave him alone in the box.

Prediction:

DC United 2:2 New England Revolution

Game 3 - DC United 0:1 Columbus Crew

Is it time to blow this thing up? That's the question facing this team as they deal with the reality that they have started the season 0-0-3 and dug themselves a gigantic hole in the Eastern Conference. The defense seemed better, but was unable to clear the ball out of the box after a shot and no one covered the eventual goal scorer, a constant theme this season. Unmarked men in the box have an easy time beating the goalie. Marked men have a more difficult time scoring. Not a difficult concept. How the midfielders keep allowing the opponents to take the ball and fail to mark men in the offensive third of the field is maddening. I don't think it is time to reconstruct the team, but I definitely feel that the lack of defensive subs and a dramatic decline in the production of Carroll the Elder, Olsen, and Gros is the problem. If it is a scheme issue having to do with the coaching change, it should be fixable. If it is a talent issue, it may be a long season.

The Good:

• Fred looked very dangerous as did Emilio.

The Bad:

• Gomez was invisible and the coach seemed to notice as he was replaced in the second half.
• Caroll the Elder also seems a shadow of his former self and was replaced at the half.

Simplified grades:

Forwards: B-

Midfielders: D+

Defense: C-

Subs: I

Preview of Game 3 - DC United at Columbus Crew

DC United comes into this game looking to rebound from their second consecutive loss to start the season. United is 0-0-1 on the road this season with a -1 goal differential. United is tied for last place in the Eastern Conference, ten points behind first place New York, with two games in hand. DC is also in last place in the Supporters Shield race, which New York also leads.

Columbus Crew are on a 3 game tie streak. Columbus is 0-2-0 at home this season with an even goal differential. They are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind New York, with one game in hand. They are in ninth place in the Supporters Shield race, seven points behind New York.

Early indications are that Facundo Erpen will sit in favor of Devon McTavish on the back line. United will stay with their traditional 3-5-2 formation which may include Fred for the first time in the starting eleven. Crew forward Andy Herron will begin his four game suspension this weekend and is thus unavailable. Columbus has only managed two goals in three games and the loss of Herron will further tax an already weak attack. If United can sort out it's marking responsibilities, they should walk away with 3 points on the road.

Prediction:

DC United 3:1 Columbus Crew

Game 1 - DC United 1:2 Colorado Rapids
Game 2 - DC United 2:4 Kansas City Wizards

Let's fire up this blog again...

After four games of pretty decent tournament soccer during the preseason, United threw up all over themselves in their first two games of the regular season. So let's sum up the first two games in one post as the issues that plague the team, and the few bright spots, are relevant to both games.

The Good:

Emilio is the real deal. Isn't it nice to watch him finish plays with authority? Jamie, as great as he is, is all too often tentative in the penalty box. Emelio doesn't seem to suffer from that problem.

The Bad:

Facundo, Carroll the Elder, Olsen, and Gros seem to have regressed to a distressing degree. Watching the game against the Wizards was distressing in so many ways, but none more so than the sheer volume of unmarked forwards and midfielders standing within 20 yards of the goal. On the third goal, two defenders were standing alone in the box. I've never seen that before.

Grades:

Forwards (Emilio, Jamie) B

Two goals should result in nothing less than a tie with the talent put on the field by United. The forwards did their jobs.

Midfielders: (Gros, Carroll the Elder, Olsen, McTavish, Gomez) D

Nothing resembling defense on the wings. Carroll the Elder must have given the ball away a dozen times including the giveaway which directly resulted in the 4th goal. I hate to say this, but Simms and Fred may be a better option than Olsen and Carroll the Elder. God help my #14 jersey for saying so. Benny certainly can't play out on the wings and if Brian can't be bothered to look up before getting rid of the ball, some time on the bench is justified. Maybe not next game, but much sooner than I would have imagined a few weeks ago.

Defenders (Erpen, Boswell, Namoff, Perkins) F

Nothing short of abysmal. Worst performance in years.

Sub: (Fred) B-

Some nice creativity. A few runs at defenders which resulted in quick giveaways. I really want to see him in the first eleven soon.