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Goal.commentary: D.C. United’s Dip in Form Has Them On Outside Looking In
Goal.com's Steven Streff examines what has happened to D.C. United over the past weeks and why they are now outsiders in the playoff race.
Aug 29, 2009 7:22:04 PM
By Steven Streff
If you happen to be a supporter of D.C. United, you just might be getting the sense of déjà vu. Don’t worry; it’s not something you need to go see the doctor about. It just so happens that for United, 2009 is turning out to be quite similar to 2008.
This doesn’t mean the season has turned out all the poorly. Remember, in 2008, United won their second US Open Cup, after defeating the Charleston Battery 2-1 in the final at RFK Stadium. On Wednesday, D.C. will get a chance to repeat their success, as they play the Seattle Sounders at RFK in the final. A win against Seattle, and United would have qualified for the 2010/2011 version of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Whoops, was the Champions League just mentioned? One might consider that a sore point around United these days.
Under the previous format, which just consisted of knockout play, United actually enjoyed some success. Known as the Champions Cup back then, United won the trophy once in 1998, and reached the semifinals six times. But the format changed in 2008, to mirror the other competitions around the world, such as the UEFA Champions League. Now, instead of just knockout stages, there are group stages in the fall, followed by knockout stages in the spring.
D.C. has been a part of the competition both seasons, but through two of the games in the group stage this year, they have yet to win a game. That includes both seasons. Last year, in six group games, they managed just one draw, and five losses. 4 goals scored, and 13 conceded. This season, United had to play in the qualifying stages, and moved on past L.A. Firpo, despite two draws. In two group stage games so far, they have lost both by a score of 3-1, including their most recent loss, at home to Mexican side Toluca.
One possible factor to United’s poor form of late has been ruled out by most at the club. “We keep talking about games,” stated United coach Tom Soehn after the loss to Toluca. “Its no different that we’ve had every year. It’s the reality, we have games every three days. We won’t use it as an excuse.”
MLS play has not been kind to United either. Since picking up their 23rd point of the season, back on June 17th against Seattle, United has managed just six points from seven games. One win, three draws, and three losses. Hardly the form of a side looking to make it into the MLS playoffs.
As it stands now, United have gone from first in the Eastern Conference after that game, to fifth, with just eight games remaining in season. Within those eight games, three of them are on the road, whilst the other five are at RFK.
For United, that just might be the thing that can help turn their season around, or at least help them make the playoffs. They have just one win on the road in twelve games, whilst they have five wins and five draws at home in ten games. It is conceivable that they win most of their remaining home games, and potentially steal a win on the road. While it would not ensure that they make the playoffs, it would undoubtedly increase their chances.
Up next for United? A difficult match away from home against the Chicago Fire tonight. The Fire have been in decent form of late, with 3 wins from their last five matches, as they sit in second play in the Eastern Conference. Despite the recent transfer of Bakary Soumare to France, the Fire boast a team capable of a deep run into the playoffs. United will need a strong performance to earn a single point at Toyota Park, even more so if they have visions of picking up all three points.
Following the loss Wednesday night against Toluca, United winger Santino Quaranta lamented his side’s loss, but thought a quick turnaround was possible for the game against Chicago. “Any time you lose it’s not a great feeling,” stated Quaranta in the press conference following the match. “But I think we have enough guys here to bounce back and understand how big of a game it is on Saturday.”
Steven Streff covers D.C. United for Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
If you happen to be a supporter of D.C. United, you just might be getting the sense of déjà vu. Don’t worry; it’s not something you need to go see the doctor about. It just so happens that for United, 2009 is turning out to be quite similar to 2008.
This doesn’t mean the season has turned out all the poorly. Remember, in 2008, United won their second US Open Cup, after defeating the Charleston Battery 2-1 in the final at RFK Stadium. On Wednesday, D.C. will get a chance to repeat their success, as they play the Seattle Sounders at RFK in the final. A win against Seattle, and United would have qualified for the 2010/2011 version of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Whoops, was the Champions League just mentioned? One might consider that a sore point around United these days.
Under the previous format, which just consisted of knockout play, United actually enjoyed some success. Known as the Champions Cup back then, United won the trophy once in 1998, and reached the semifinals six times. But the format changed in 2008, to mirror the other competitions around the world, such as the UEFA Champions League. Now, instead of just knockout stages, there are group stages in the fall, followed by knockout stages in the spring.
D.C. has been a part of the competition both seasons, but through two of the games in the group stage this year, they have yet to win a game. That includes both seasons. Last year, in six group games, they managed just one draw, and five losses. 4 goals scored, and 13 conceded. This season, United had to play in the qualifying stages, and moved on past L.A. Firpo, despite two draws. In two group stage games so far, they have lost both by a score of 3-1, including their most recent loss, at home to Mexican side Toluca.
One possible factor to United’s poor form of late has been ruled out by most at the club. “We keep talking about games,” stated United coach Tom Soehn after the loss to Toluca. “Its no different that we’ve had every year. It’s the reality, we have games every three days. We won’t use it as an excuse.”
MLS play has not been kind to United either. Since picking up their 23rd point of the season, back on June 17th against Seattle, United has managed just six points from seven games. One win, three draws, and three losses. Hardly the form of a side looking to make it into the MLS playoffs.
As it stands now, United have gone from first in the Eastern Conference after that game, to fifth, with just eight games remaining in season. Within those eight games, three of them are on the road, whilst the other five are at RFK.
For United, that just might be the thing that can help turn their season around, or at least help them make the playoffs. They have just one win on the road in twelve games, whilst they have five wins and five draws at home in ten games. It is conceivable that they win most of their remaining home games, and potentially steal a win on the road. While it would not ensure that they make the playoffs, it would undoubtedly increase their chances.
Up next for United? A difficult match away from home against the Chicago Fire tonight. The Fire have been in decent form of late, with 3 wins from their last five matches, as they sit in second play in the Eastern Conference. Despite the recent transfer of Bakary Soumare to France, the Fire boast a team capable of a deep run into the playoffs. United will need a strong performance to earn a single point at Toyota Park, even more so if they have visions of picking up all three points.
Following the loss Wednesday night against Toluca, United winger Santino Quaranta lamented his side’s loss, but thought a quick turnaround was possible for the game against Chicago. “Any time you lose it’s not a great feeling,” stated Quaranta in the press conference following the match. “But I think we have enough guys here to bounce back and understand how big of a game it is on Saturday.”
Steven Streff covers D.C. United for Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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