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D.C. United Frustrated As L.A. Galaxy Pick Up Another Point
Continuing with a recent trend, D.C. United failed to win a vital game at home, while LA picked up points on the road.
Aug 23, 2009 12:41:24 AM
WASHINGTON, D.C.--With just eight games left in the MLS regular season, D.C. United find themselves in a precarious position following another draw at home – their fifth at home this season. Despite keeping a clean sheet for just the fourth time this season, United were unable to secure all three points, which places their chances of reaching the playoffs in a dangerous position.
“Its just disappointing,” stated assistant coach Chad Ashton after the game. Ashton was filling in for head coach Tom Soehn, who was ill. “You know you need three points in this situation, and to walk away with one is deflating.”
What could possibly keep United out of a playoff spot this season is their inability to turn draws into wins. Last season, a few more draws instead of losses could have vaulted the side into the playoffs. But this season, their inability to win more games that have ended as draws might be DC's downfall.
“We have had too many of those this year, where ties have felt like losses,” said Ashton during the press conference. “We’ve got to turn those into wins.”
On the flip side, the LA Galaxy continued their good run of form, as they ended their recent two-game road trip. After defeating Chicago 2-0 on Wednesday, sans David Beckham, they were able to secure another vital point on the road in front of 22,134 fans in D.C.
“We are happy with the four points out of two games more than anything,” stated Beckham following the match. “You could not ask for any more effort from the players, with traveling, and playing two games in a short space of time, so it's been a good trip.”
In their last ten games, in a streak that started at the end of June, the Galaxy has lost just one game, while picking up maximum points in six of those matches. Although they have played a couple of more games than the other teams around them, the Galaxy have used this run to position themselves well to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005, when they won the MLS Cup.
“We are in a good shape. We have seven games, five of which are at home,” stated Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan after the match. “The goal is to keep separating ourselves from the last playoff teams, and another point helps today.”
Steven Streff, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
“Its just disappointing,” stated assistant coach Chad Ashton after the game. Ashton was filling in for head coach Tom Soehn, who was ill. “You know you need three points in this situation, and to walk away with one is deflating.”
What could possibly keep United out of a playoff spot this season is their inability to turn draws into wins. Last season, a few more draws instead of losses could have vaulted the side into the playoffs. But this season, their inability to win more games that have ended as draws might be DC's downfall.
“We have had too many of those this year, where ties have felt like losses,” said Ashton during the press conference. “We’ve got to turn those into wins.”
On the flip side, the LA Galaxy continued their good run of form, as they ended their recent two-game road trip. After defeating Chicago 2-0 on Wednesday, sans David Beckham, they were able to secure another vital point on the road in front of 22,134 fans in D.C.
“We are happy with the four points out of two games more than anything,” stated Beckham following the match. “You could not ask for any more effort from the players, with traveling, and playing two games in a short space of time, so it's been a good trip.”
In their last ten games, in a streak that started at the end of June, the Galaxy has lost just one game, while picking up maximum points in six of those matches. Although they have played a couple of more games than the other teams around them, the Galaxy have used this run to position themselves well to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005, when they won the MLS Cup.
“We are in a good shape. We have seven games, five of which are at home,” stated Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan after the match. “The goal is to keep separating ourselves from the last playoff teams, and another point helps today.”
Steven Streff, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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