September 2009 Archives
CCL Group B game #5: DCU 5 - Jabloteh 1
09/30/2009 11:22 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Two goals each from Christian Gomez and Boyzzz Khumalo helped United easily dispatch of San Juan Jabloteh this evening at RFK Stadium. The win was United's third in a row in CONCACAF Champions League play and puts the team in great position to advance with just one game remaining in Group B play.
Fans should turn their attention to the TV tomorrow night when CD Marathon (Honduras) hosts CD Toluca (Mexico) on Galavision at 10pm ET. A Toluca win would ensure D.C.'s passage into the knockout stage of the tournament, while a draw or Marathon win would leave more to do for the Black-and-Red (who face Toluca in Mexico on Oct. 20 in its final game).
For now, we enjoy a comprehensive performance from the home team. Tomorrow though, everyone turns their attention back to League play, and what can only be described as a must-win game against Chivas USA on Saturday at RFK Stadium.
Post-game links coming atcha:
- United runs by Jabloteh - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- MLSnet.com MatchTracker
- Flickr photo gallery
- Official Champions League standings
- Post-game quotesheet
CCL Group B game #5: United vs. Jabloteh
09/30/2009 9:30 AM by Cris Cruz
After dropping a 2-1 decision to the San Jose Earthquakes, United will be looking to get back to the win column with a Champions League match against San Juan Jabloteh. The Trinidad & Tobago side finds itself at the bottom of Group B without any points. A win over Jabloteh and a Marathon loss to Toluca tomorrow would give United a berth in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.
United will be without several players for the match. Avery John and Dejan Jakovic are out due to yellow card accumulation while Jaime Moreno's red card in the game vs. Marathon last week means he will sit out the game. Defender Bryan Namoff will remain out, recovering from a concussion. On the other side, Jabloteh will be without midfielder Travis Mulraine becuase of yellow card accumulation.
Tonight's match will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel at 8 p.m. and can be heard on WZAA 1050.
Get ready for the game with these links:
- In the net, rookies step up for United - Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- Kocic nets a new role with United - Drew Hansen (Washington Times)
- San Juan Jabloteh at D.C. United - Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- Path to CCL quarterfinal clear for D.C. - Charles Boehm (MLSNet)
- Video: Julius James previews game - (dcunited.com)
- Video: Chris Pontius previews game - (dcunited.com)
- Video: Luciano Emilio previews game - (dcunited.com)
Video: Jabloteh preview
09/29/2009 4:29 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United has a great opportunity to put itself in position to advance to the next round of CONCACAF Champions League with a win Wednesday night against San Juan Jabloteh. Check out what the guys had to say about the big game...
More from:
Getting to know: San Juan Jabloteh
09/29/2009 3:54 PM by Cris Cruz
D.C. United faces San Juan Jabloteh tomorrow in a very important Champions League match. Should United win, and should Toluca beat Marathon on Thursday, the Black-and-Red would be assured a spot in the quarterfinal stage of the region's most important tournament.
Josh Wicks out 4-6 weeks
09/28/2009 4:55 PM by Kyle Sheldon
The team got some bad news today when it learned that goalkeeper Josh Wicks will be out 4-6 weeks after suffering a dislocated shoulder and MCL sprain in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. Wicks' injuries came on the same play in the second half.
The injury to Wicks leaves United with one active goalkeeper in Milos Kocic. Recently-signed Bill Hamid is not eligible for MLS matches, but can play in Champions League games. Due to the situation, the club will call-up a League pool goalkeeper beginning this weekend versus Chivas USA.
This season, Kocic has played in three League games (two starts), compiling a record of 1-1-1 and a goals-against average of 2.11. In all competitions (Open Cup, Champions League), his numbers are as follows:
- Ten games played (eight starts)
- 6-2-1 record
- 779 minutes played
- 10 goals against
- 1.15 goals-against average
- 3 shutouts
Here's the play on which Wicks was injured:
Playoff picture - Sept. 28
09/28/2009 2:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Video: Wicks, Khumalo, Soehn post-game
09/28/2009 12:18 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Video: United-Earthquakes highlights
09/27/2009 10:30 PM by Kyle Sheldon
MLS game #27: DCU 1 - San Jose 2
09/27/2009 6:20 PM by Kyle Sheldon
United dropped three points at home for just the second time this season, falling to the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1. With the loss, the team falls to 8-7-12 and remains out of the MLS Cup playoffs with three games remaining.
Josh Wicks left the game in the second half with a dislocated shoulder and will get an MRI tomorrow and be further evaluated to determine how long he'll be out.
The team has little time to dwell on the loss with an important Champions League match on Wednesday versus San Juan Jabloteh.
A few links will be posted here throughout the evening:
- dcunited.com game story - by Charlie Boehm
- Game photos (Flickr)
- MLSnet.com MatchTracker
MLS game #27: DCU vs. San Jose
09/27/2009 9:14 AM by Kyle Sheldon
After a 15-day break from League play - a time during which two Champions League games were played - United returns to domestic action this afternoon with its 27th MLS match versus the visiting San Jose Earthquakes. Though results from six League games last night largely went United's way, the team finds itself a single point out of playoffs heading into today's a game. A win today, though, would vault the squad ahead of three teams and into the second wild card spot. A draw would bring D.C. even with New England, who still has a game in hand, for the final wild card spot.
Summary: the playoff standings are really tight and every result matters.
United will again be without defender Bryan Namoff today, who is still recovering from a concussion. Marc Burch (ankle surgery), however, is listed as probable and may see some minutes.
San Jose is one of only two teams who have not won on the road in 2009, managing a record of just 0-8-3 (9 goals for, 23 goals against) away from home. The team is also without arguably its best player in Darren Huckerby who had season-ending hip surgery in recent weeks.
Today's game will be broadcast nationally on Telefutura and locally on The Comcast Network (find TCN here). Kickoff is at 3pm.
Read (and watch!) everything below to be sure you're prepared:
- United's Emilio May Be Rebounding Just in Time - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- United set for playoff push - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United's Emilio feeling the heat to regain MVP form - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United aim to continue winning ways Sunday - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Earthquakes at D.C. United facts - by Elliott Elmond (San Jose Mercury News)
- Video: Ben Olsen previews San Jose (dcunited.com)
- Video: Dejan Jakovic previews San Jose (dcunited.com)
We'll take your score predictions in the comments section below. Anyone that guesses correctly will win two tickets one of the remaining home games (your choice!).
Video: Jakovic, Olsen preview San Jose
09/26/2009 3:08 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United has turned its focus back to League play with the San Jose Earthquakes visiting RFK Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ben Olsen and Dejan Jakovic discuss the game, and the playoff race, below..
Video: Post-game thoughts
09/25/2009 8:24 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Watch Tom Soehn and Luciano Emilio's post-game press conference and then listen in to hear what Lawson Vaughn and Santino Quaranta had to say after the game.
Video: Marathon highlights
09/25/2009 8:09 AM by Kyle Sheldon
All the action and goals from last night's impressive 3-0 win over CD Marathon...
CCL group B game #4: DCU 3 - Marathon 0
09/24/2009 11:35 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United put together one of its most comprehensive performances Thursday night at RFK Stadium by downing CD Marathon 3-0. Luciano Emilio broke out and scored two goals, while Jaime Moreno added a tally midway through the second half. The defense also kept a clean sheet for the second game in a row, as the Black-and-Red put together back-to-back wins for the first time since late July.
The win moves D.C. United into second place in CONCACAF Champions League's Group B, as the 2-0 scoreline means United now owns the tie-breaker over Marathon. The team will play its second-to-last Champions League game at RFK next Wednesday when San Juan Jabloteh comes to town. Before that meeting, though, D.C. will have to deal with the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday.
In addition to Jaime Moreno, who was sent off in extra time, United will be without Dejan Jakovic and Avery John next Wednesday, as both players picked up their second yellows of the tournament, leading to an automatic one-game suspension.
What did you think of tonight's game? Who did you think was most impressive?
Post-game links coming up here:
- Second half surge leads United past Marathon - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Game photos (Flickr)
- Post-game quotesheet
- CONCACAF Champions League standings
- MLSnet.com MatchTracker
- Emilio, United finding their groove in CCL - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
CCL group B game #4: DCU vs. Marathon
09/24/2009 8:31 AM by Kyle Sheldon
United faces a near must-win tonight at RFK Stadium when it faces Honduran side CD Marathon in its fourth CONCACAF Champions League match. After last week's win in Trinidad & Tobago over Jabloteh, D.C. finds itself in third place in Group B, three points behind tonight's visitors. A win for the Black-and-Red would draw the team even in the standings and put it in a position to advance into the knockout stage of the tournament heading into the final two games of group play.
United will be without defensive stalwart Bryan Namoff (concussion) and Christian Gomez (yellow card accumulation), but may see the return of several players who have recently been fighting injuries - Marc Burch, Dejan Jakovic, Santino Quaranta, Fred and Boyzzz Khumalo.
Marathon will be without its top goal-scorer, Jerry Palacios, after he received a red card in the team's last game (a 7-0 loss to Toluca).
Tonight's match is set to kick-off at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox Soccer Channel. Ahead of the contest, here is what you need to read - and watch - to be up to speed:
- United Opponent Has Taken Long Road - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- United gunning for goals against Marathon - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United can't settle for one goal - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- Video: Access United - Episode 28
- Video: Santino Quaranta previews Marathon
- Video: Tom Soehn previews Marathon
Anyone for a prediction on tonight's game? United is coming off its longest break - nine days - since July and should be well rested. Who might you like to see in the starting lineup?
Video: Quaranta, McTavish on CSN
09/24/2009 12:06 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Finally (!), Comcast SportsNet allows you to embed video. Well done, guys. Here's Santino and Devon after training today talking to Sebastian Salazar of CSN (note Devon's shaved head - something he did to support Miss Virginia and cancer research).
Photo of the Day: La Barra Brava Barca
09/23/2009 4:58 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United supporter - and proud member of La Barra Brava - Gina Rivera recently made a trip to Barcelona and saw Camp Nou in person. She packed her Barra Brava flag and carted it around the whole country with the sole purpose of taking the photo below.. that's dedication!
Video: Marathon preview
09/23/2009 3:31 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Head Coach Tom Soehn and midfielder Santino Quaranta discusses tomorrow's match versus CD Marathon...
Getting to know: CD Marathon
09/22/2009 2:11 PM by Cris Cruz
Playoff picture - Sept. 21
09/21/2009 4:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Following this past weekend's results, here are the current standings for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Colorado wins the tie-breaker over Chivas USA (due to goal differential) to become #4 seed in the Western Conference, so here is what the first round match-ups would look like:
Video: Access United - Episode 27
09/17/2009 3:24 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Access United host Tony Limarzi has the info you need. He'll take you through the last week of D.C. United and give you the playoff outlook heading into this weekend's games, before a look back at D.C.'s history at Giants Stadium, where United has played its last MLS game (how can you not want to relive Christian Gomez in the stands with the fans?).
CCL Group B game #3: DCU 1 - Jabloteh 0
09/16/2009 12:08 AM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United battles to a 1-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh and earns its first-ever victory in CONCACAF Champions League play. Christian Gomez' 14th minute penalty kick was the difference. The win keeps United alive as it attempts to advance out of Group B and into the knockout stage.
The team will return home late tomorrow night and will enjoy a rare weekend without a game before facing CD Marathon (Honduras) at RFK Stadium next Thursday in its fourth Champions League match.
Here's the remaining CONCACAF schedule:
- Sept. 24 vs. CD Marathon
- Sept. 30 vs. San Juan Jabloteh
- Oct. 20 @ CD Toluca
After tonight's result, here is what the Group B standings look like:
And, finally here are a few post-game links:
- Gomez lifts United past San Juan Jabloteh - by Dylan Butler (dcunited.com)
- Post-game quotes (dcunited.com)
We'll add more as things come online.
What did you think of the match? Who impressed you? Which player(s) would you like to see more of?
Latin American Festival photos
09/15/2009 2:50 PM by Digital Media Dept.
D.C. United celebrated the club's 4th Annual Latin American Festival presented by RCN this past Saturday in Lot 8 of RFK Stadium. Highlighting the pre-game festivities was an appearance by Univision's Fernando Fiore and the beautiful "Senadora" models from the network's popular sports program "República Deportiva".
Video: Last night's training
09/15/2009 1:41 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Here's a little iPhone video of last night's training session in Port-of-Spain. Game time is just about six hours away...
CCL Group B game #3: DCU vs. San Juan Jabloteh
09/15/2009 10:27 AM by Cris Cruz
D.C. United faces San Juan Jabloteh in Trinidad & Tobago tonight in the third matchday of the Champions League group stage. United and San Juan are both winless in Group B so the match will be an important one as at least one team will earn points.
After a month of playing two matches each week, United left behind some of the veteran players and took a younger squad to T & T:
- Goalkeepers: Milos Kocic, Bill Hamid
- Defenders: Avery John, Julius James, Devon McTavish, Lawson Vaughn
- Midfielders: John DiRaimondo, Danny Szetela, Ely Allen, Tiyi Shipalane, Christian Gomez, Andrew Jacobson, Clyde Simms, Rodney Wallace
- Forwards: Luciano Emilio, Chris Pontius
Tonight's game can be seen on Fox Soccer Channel or Telefutura at 8 p.m. ET, or tune in to WZAA 1050 AM (English) or WACA 1540 AM (Spanish).
Some links to check out before tonight's game:
- Champions League: D.C. United at San Juan Jabloteh - Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- United defenders get chance to go back home - John Haydon (Washington Times)
- No vacation for reserve-heavy D.C. United in the Caribbean - Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- D.C. takes new hope to the Caribbean - Charles Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Getting to know San Juan Jabloteh
- Photos: Training in Trinidad
Photos: Training in Trinidad & Tobago
09/14/2009 10:29 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United trained at Hasely Crawford Stadium this evening ahead of its third CONCACAF Champions League match versus San Juan Jabloteh. United's 16 players were put through a long warm-up, positional work, a possession game and, finally, some finishing. The air was a bit heavy, but the temperature was comfortable. Here are a few photos from this evening's session:
Champions League Group B - Matchday 3
09/14/2009 4:04 PM by Cris Cruz
United's next opponent in the CONCACAF Champions League Group B is Trinidad & Tobago's San Juan Jabloteh. The Trinidad & Tobago side qualified for the Champions League as the third place team in the Caribbean Football Union and holds a 0-2-0 record in Group B.
San Juan Jabloteh plays its home games at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Founded in 1974 as a youth club, San Juan Jabloteh started playing in Trinidad & Tobago’s first professional league upon its creation in 1999. It has been the most successful club in the TT Pro League with four titles.
The club’s nickname, Jabloteh, is the country’s national bird, the Oil or Devil Bird, which lives in the Aripo Caves. Originally, the French settlers called it ‘Les Diables Oiseaux’, which was referred to by the local settlers as Diablotin and laterJabloteh.
Jabloteh is the two-time defending TT Pro League champions. Currently, Jabloteh (11-6-3, 39 pts.) sits in 2nd place in the TT Pro League, only two points behind the top squad.
San Juan Jabloteh is the winner of 16 major trophies. It picked up its first pieces of hardware in 1977, winning the Third Division of the National Soccer League and the Champion of Champions trophy. The team has won the EFA Championship (1995), FA Trophy (1998, 2005), League Cup (1999), First Citizens Cup (2000, 2002), Pro Champions League (2002, 2003, 2007, 2008), Caribbean Football Union Cup (2002), the Pro Bowl (2005, 2006), and Lucozade Big 6 Trophy (2006).
Video: World Business on MLS
09/14/2009 3:29 PM by Kyle Sheldon
It's a piece supporters of MLS have likely grown accustomed to seeing every so often about the League's growth, success and future, but D.C. United is shown throughout, so we bring you World Business' "Soccer in the States."
Mike Ammann impresses at racing event
09/14/2009 12:51 PM by Doug Hicks
As Kyle told you here last week, Mike Ammann was in Millville, NJ over the weekend to participate in the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen TDI Cup. The former D.C. United goalkeeper was a guest driver in the event played out over three days on a 14-turn, 2.225-mile road course.
Ammann's weekend was off to a auspicious start following a crash in Friday's first training session. The wreck forced him out of additional training sessions and to the back of the field for starts on Saturday and Sunday. Ammann turned in impressive efforts both days, however, finishing 20th on Saturday and 21st on Sunday, respectively, among the 26 cars racing.
Said Ammann after the event: "After a rough start with the crash in the practice on Friday, this has been an awesome weekend. I have a whole new appreciation for the skill of these drivers. I know that this is considered a bit of a development series, but there's some serious talent out there. I had two goals for the races. I didn't want to crash or finish last, and I was able to accomplish both yesterday and today, so I'm walking away a happy man."
Video: Diaz Arce, Diron enter Hall of Tradition
09/13/2009 8:29 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Last night, United legend Raul Diaz Arce and the club's long-time Spanish-language radio broadcaster Danilo Noel Diron, who passed away last year, were inducted into the Hall of Tradition. Below are the videos shown at the stadium to honor two United greats.
MLS game #26: DCU 1 - Sounders FC 2
09/12/2009 10:19 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. falls to Seattle 2-1 for the second time in ten days. With the win, the Sounders leapfrog United in the playoff standings. With four games remaining in League play - three of which are at home - United likely needs to secure a few victories in order to ensure passage into playoffs.
Tomorrow, the team will take off for Trinidad & Tobago in advance of its third Champions League game versus San Juan Jabloteh on Tuesday. A rare off weekend awaits the club following, before Chivas USA visits RFK Stadium on Saturday, October 3.
We'll add post-game links below throughout the evening:
- Video: Game highlights
- United bested by Seattle again, falls 2-1 - by Charlie Boehm
- United disappointed after loss to Seattle - by Charlie Boehm
- Post-game quotesheet
- Game photos (Flickr)
- Video: Avery John post-game
- Video: Tom Soehn post-game
MLS game #26: DCU vs. Seattle Sounders FC
09/12/2009 8:53 AM by Kyle Sheldon
We all know the stakes for this one. Just ten days after Seattle came to RFK and won the U.S. Open cup in United's home, the expansion side returns to DC for a hugely important League match. Both teams are in the midst of a fight to make the playoffs, with every point gained important.
Seattle will be without Freddie Ljungberg who is serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation, while DC will again be without Marc Burch (ankle surgery) and Dejan Jakovic (bi-lateral hernia repair).
A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected tonight, so be sure to arrive early and check out the Latin Festival in Lot 8, which begins at 4pm. The late Danilo Noel Diron will be inducted into the Hall of Tradition pre-game, while the same honor will be bestowed upon Raul Diaz Arce at halftime.
Should be a fun one.
Here's what you should be reading in advance of heading to Lot 8:
- D.C. United Adds Defender Vaughn to Begin Playoff Push - by Steven Goff (Washington Post)
- United likes the sound of revenge vs. Seattle - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- DCU pre-Seattle notes (and Vaughn signed) - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United seek redemption vs. Seattle - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Reserves play key role for United - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Video: Access United - Episode 26 (dcunited.com)
- Video: Chris Pontius previews Seattle (dcunited.com)
- Sounders FC, Montero renew acquaintances with D.C. United - by Jose Romero (Seattle Times)
- Sounders face critical rematch with DC United - by Greg Johns (Seattle PI)
If you're on twitter and watching the game, tag all of your DCU-related tweets with #dcu or #dcunited and they'll be pulled onto the front page of dcunited.com.
What are your thoughts heading into tonight's match? What is your score prediction? Judging from Wednesday's lineup, who do you want to see on the field tonight?
Video: Access United - Episode 26
09/11/2009 3:24 PM by Kyle Sheldon
The newest edition of Access United includes a look back at the draw in Dallas and Wednesday night's win over Kansas City, as well as a preview of what to expect for tomorrow's game against Seattle Sounders FC. The final segment is a very unique look at the life of Devon McTavish. Wait until you see the goal young Devon scores midway through the piece...
Lawson Vaughn signed
09/11/2009 2:05 PM by Kyle Sheldon
We'll shortly announce that the club has signed defender Lawson Vaughn. The 25-year old has been training with the team for several days and will take the place of defender Greg Janicki, who has been put on the disabled list with back spasms.
Vaughn spent three and a half seasons as a member of Chivas USA, before being waived earlier this year. Since his rookie season in 2006, the Marietta, Georgia native played in 48 League games (40 starts), with a goal and three assists. His best season with Chivas USA came in 2007 when he played in 24 games (22 starts), totaling 1,901 minutes on the pitch, and notched a goal and two assists. While in LA, he also played in three playoff games (all starts).
In college, Vaughn began his career at the University of South Carolina before transferring to the University of Tulsa. In four seasons, he played in 88 games (86 starts), totaling six goals and 14 helpers.
Here's what General Manager Dave Kasper had to say about Vaughn joining the team:
"Lawson is a player who has several years of experience playing in our League. He will provide us with an additional option in the back line and we look forward to having him on board."
Get your Playoff Widget
09/10/2009 3:23 PM by Oscar Merida
Want to follow the playoff chase as the season winds down? Of course, we know you do! We've put together a widget that you can put on your start page, blog, or anywhere else that allows you to paste a little HTML. The standings will automatically update to reflect the team's results each week.
This is what it looks like:
To get it, cut and paste from one of the boxes below.
iFrame code - Can be embedded on any website, blog, or social network that allows <script> tags.
Use Google's Gadget API - Can be embedded on any website, your iGoogle home page, or any OpenSocial container.
Video: Anatomy of a goal
09/10/2009 2:42 PM by Kyle Sheldon
You may have seen Luciano Emilio's goal last night in the team's 1-0 win over the visiting Wizards, but did you really take note of the hustle and awareness seen on the play from the Brazilian?
Jump ahead to the 2:05 mark to watch the goal again:
Take a look at who Christian Gomez plays the short corner - Senõr Emilio. Then, a great ball by Gomez to the near post for a sprinting Bryan Namoff. His re-directed header finds its way to the back post for Pontius, who throws his body down into danger to get a head on the ball.. after all that, it's Emilio who had worked to get back into a dangerous position to find the rebound and put the ball in the back of the net. An impressive effort from the team's leading goal-scorer.
Quick playoff picture update
09/10/2009 12:11 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Mike Ammann likes racing cars
09/10/2009 11:42 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Former D.C. United goalkeeper Mike Ammann (on the right in the photo above) is taking part in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Races that take place this weekend in New Jersey.
The former United player had this to say about his recent training course at Virginia International Raceway: “I think every person goes through a stage in their life where they dream of being a racecar driver. I’ve been around racing for most of my life but never been behind the wheel. My test at VIR gave me my first taste of this, but it left me wanting more. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take what I learned at VIR and be able to run competitively in New Jersey."
More information on this weekend's events here.
UPDATE: Just found out that Ammann will be driving the super-cool D.C. United Jetta TDI Cup Car. I want one.
Video: Highlights, Soehn, Simms
09/10/2009 8:20 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Following last night's win, here are the game highlights, Tom Soehn's press conference and post-game thoughts from Clyde Simms.
MLS game #25: DCU 1 - KC Wizards 0
09/09/2009 10:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon
United dodged a few bullets and came away with a very important three points tonight at RFK Stadium. Luciano Emilio's first half goal was enough, as United topped the visiting Wizards 1-0 in an Eastern Conference battle. Josh Wicks made several important stops and earned his third MLS shutout in four games.
With tonight's win, United is only four points back from the Houston Dynamo who lead the Supporters' Shield race. Not too shabby.
The team will regroup tomorrow and turn its attention to the Seattle Sounders FC. One has to assume the guys will be motivated to beat the team that stole the Open Cup trophy from RFK just a week ago. A big crowd is expected (20,000 or more?), so be sure to get your tickets soon.
We'll continually add post-game links here throughout the night:
- Emilio's goal enough as DC tops KC - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- United pleased with effort in win over KC - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Post-game quotesheet (dcunited.com)
- Playoff standings (dcunited.com)
- Game photos (Flickr)
MLS game #25: DCU vs. Kansas City
09/09/2009 9:39 AM by Kyle Sheldon
United kicks off its five game homestand tonight by taking on the Kansas City Wizards (7:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet HD). The playoff picture right now is a little messy, but a few wins over the five games at RFK Stadium will go a long way towards securing a spot in the post-season.
As you likely know, the team will be without Marc Burch (ankle surgery on Sunday) and Dejan Jakovic (bi-lateral hernia repair) for the next 2-3 weeks.
KC is well out of playoff conention right now, but is coming off a huge 4-2 road win in New England on Saturday. United will need to contain the likes of Josh Wolff, Davy Arnaud and Claudio Lopez tonight as it looks to begin a run of wins at RFK.
Here's a whole bunch of DCU-related links ahead of this evening's contest:
- United enters the stretch run thin on defense - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- Burch injury another blow for United - by John Haydon (The Washington Times)
- Defensive casulaties hit United entering late-season homestand - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United hopes home cooking brings wins - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Wizards finding confidence on East Coast trip - by Terez Paylor (KC Star)
- Video: Quaranta & Namoff preview Wizards
How are you feeling about the team heading into tonight's game? What backline would you like to see knowing that Burch and Jakovic are unavailable? Anyone for a prediction?
Video: Namoff, Quaranta preview KC
09/08/2009 5:01 PM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United's Bryan Namoff and Santino Quaranta discuss Wednesday's game versus the Kansas City Wizards at RFK Stadium.
Playoff picture
09/08/2009 1:32 PM by Kyle Sheldon
With only seven weeks of regular season play left in the 2009 season, teams are vying for the right to move on to the MLS Cup playoffs. D.C. United is in the thick of the race, currently tied for the 7th and 8th playoff spots with three other teams.
Below is the current standings, broken down as best as possible, given that some teams have played more game than others.
The four MLS teams with the next most points, regardless of conference, receive "wildcard" berths.
- The four wildcard teams will be seeded according to conference first.
- If more than four teams qualify from one conference, the team finishing lower than fourth in its conference will shift over to the other conference bracket.
- A team switching conference brackets will be seeded below all other teams in its new conference playoff bracket.
League homestand begins
09/07/2009 9:23 AM by Kyle Sheldon
With just six League games remaining in the 2009 regular season, United is right in the thick of a closely contested playoff race. With 33 points, United is currently tied - with New England, Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake - for the final two playoff spots. The good news for United fans is that the team begins a five game League homestand Wednesday against the Kansas City Wizards. The only remaining League road game is the season finale in Kansas City on Oct. 24.
Matters are (of course) complicated by CONCACAF Champions League, as United faces four more Group B games, which include trips to Trinidad (vs. Jabloteh on Sept. 15) and Mexico (vs. Toluca on Oct. 20).
Here's what the rest of the season's schedule looks like:
MLS game #24: DCU @ FC Dallas
09/05/2009 12:10 PM by Boris Flores
D.C. United and FC Dallas meet tonight in a crucial match as both teams try to keep their MLS Cup Playoff hopes alive at Pizza Hut Park. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and you can follow the action live on Comcast SporstNet.
United will look to build upon last week’s impressive road performance in Chicago, where the Black-and-Red snapped a four-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over the Fire at Toyota Park. United has enjoyed relative success against the Hoops at Pizza Hut Park, winning three out of four encounters, the only loss coming last year in a 0-3- set back on September 28.
Tonight United will be without the services of defender Dejan Jakovic, who is serving a one game suspension for caution point accumulation and has traveled to Germany to undergo bilateral hernia surgery, which will sidelined the Canadian international for an additional two to three weeks. However, central back Julius James is available for selection after being cup tied and not able to play in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday night.
To get you caught up on all things United, please read below:
- Inconsistent Lineup, Disappointing Loss Have United in Funk - by Paul Tenorio (Washington Post)
- Jakovic out after surgery for sports hernia - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United ready for key match in Dallas
- FC Dallas vs. D.C. United Preview
- Debuts likely for FCD newcomers - (fc.dallas.mlsnet.com)
So, give us your thought for tonight's game? What line up would you like to see? We’ll take your predictions in the comments section below.
Kevin Payne on last night
09/03/2009 10:58 AM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United's President and CEO on last night's U.S. Open Cup final:
"Last night was a fantastic night at RFK Stadium. While we fell short of our goal of winning a 13th trophy, we are proud of the tremendous effort our team and our fans brought to the stadium. Our fans demonstrated once again that, when it comes to passion, loyalty and enthusiasm, they are second to none.
Our congratulations go to Seattle Sounders FC for a great effort in becoming U.S. Open Cup champions in their first year of Major League Soccer. Our hat is off to their players, their coaches, their ownership and, most of all, their fans. We will now refocus on CONCACAF Champions League, the hunt for playoffs and winning MLS Cup."
Open Cup final: DCU 1 - Sounders FC 2
09/02/2009 10:16 PM by Kyle Sheldon
It's tough to feel anything but disappointment in the result, but the one positive tonight was the team's supporters - La Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles, La Norte and everyone else at the stadium absolutely brought it. The last ten minutes of the game was one of the most electric atmospheres I've seen at RFK. Thank you for your support and passion.
We'll have your post-game links here:
- United falls to Sounders in Open Cup final - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Post-game quotes (dcunited.com)
- Photos (Flickr)
- MLSnet.com MatchTracker
- Video: Tom Soehn post-game
- Video: Dejan Jakovic post-game
Open Cup final: DCU vs. Seattle Sounders FC
09/02/2009 7:03 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Tonight, nothing else matters but the two teams who will face off on the field.
After weeks of build-up, plenty of back-and-forth between Seattle and DC, marketing campaigns, fan stunts, trash talk, and general chatter, tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, at RFK Stadium, D.C. United will take on Seattle Sounders FC in the U.S. Open Cup final for a chance to win its 13th major trophy. The newcomers from Seattle are hoping to secure their first-ever title as an MLS squad.
This is the fun part, no?
If you're in the DC area, you should be at RFK. If you're outside the area, you can watch the game tonight on Fox Soccer Channel.
There are a ton of story lines to follow, and a ton of articles out there you should read before making your way to RFK's Lot 8 this afternoon (yes, we expect you to skip out early on work). Let's get started:
- United, Sounders Add Heat to U.S. Open Cup final - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- Home field squabble adds spice to Open Cup final - by Joseph White (AP)
- Morale riding high into final - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United spat with Seattle not likely to make U.S. Open Cup matter - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United eager to host Open Cup - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Sounders FC playing for US Open Cup trophy - by Jose Romero (Seattle Times)
- All-MLS showdown in U.S. Open Cup final - by Steve Davis (espn.com)
- Pride, title at stake as Seattle and DC clash in Open Cup - by Kyle McCarthy (goal.com)
- Video: Access United: Special U.S. Open Cup edition
So, after everything over the last few weeks, what are your expectations for tonight's game? Who do you want to see in the starting lineup? We'll take your score predictions in the comments section below and pick one correct guess to win a 2009 Team Media Guide autographed by the United player of your choice.
See you at RFK.
Video: The Final Word
09/01/2009 10:37 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Be sure you watch until the end...
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