United Quell Revolution, 4-2
Yesterday afternoon's contest between D.C. United and the New England Revolution carried several levels of significance. With six games remaining for United and most of MLS, teams are becoming increasingly desperate to capture the three point bounty of each remaining game in the scramble for playoff spots.
The Revolution came into RFK Stadium as the toughest foe remaining on United's schedule. The game constituted the last time United would face a sure-fire playoff team. The match was also essential in establishing supremacy of the Eastern Conference of the MLS and securing home field advantage in the playoffs; a single point separated the two teams at the game's start.
The three point prize would also help D.C. maintain its front-runner status in the race for the Supporter's Shield. United took a big step in accomplishing these goals by beating the Revs 4-2.
The match started in familiar fashion for United: a composed and ambitious attack led to several scoring opportunities and the first goal of the game. In the 21st minute Christian Gomez found himself on the receiving end of a Bryan Namoff cross and headed the ball home, but the goal was disallowed; replays showed Gomez offsides by the slightest of margins.
Photos by Kyle Gustafson
Ten minutes later, the same offsides trap that saved New England would betray them. Jaime Moreno deftly lifted a pass over the Revolution defense to find Fred all alone in the penalty box. The Brazilian cleanly put the ball into the upper right corner of the net to give United the lead.
Around the 40th minute United shifted down a couple gears and played possession soccer. The tactic was successful for four minutes, as they limited the Revs' touches drastically. A single slip-up in United's back line ruined a half of otherwise complete soccer. Khano Smith broke free down the left wing and crossed to an unmarked Taylor Twellman. The former Terrapin continued to find success against United and buried the ball past goalkeeper Troy Perkins with a left-footed smash.
United's attack slowed down in the second half, and a repeat of Thursday night's listless finish (resulting in a 2-2 draw with Chivas USA) seemed likely. The Revolution controlled the pace from the start the half and should have scored in the 49th minute, but forward Pat Noonan missed a wide open net.
The Revs' efforts were rewarded 5 minutes later. Veteran winger Steve Ralston swung in a corner kick that was heading toward the imposing Shalrie Joseph. Marc Burch intercepted the ball, but redirected it in the direction of Perkins. As the ball squirted between the goalie's legs, Revs defender Jay Heaps managed nudge it barely over the line for the goal.
Losing for the first time since July 22, United rediscovered their energy and scoring touch to reclaim the lead. In the 59th minute Christian Gomez utilized a fair amount of space to start a counter attack. He found hitman Luciano Emilio, whose shot was blocked by Matt Reis. The rebound fell at the feet of Moreno. Moreno's first effort was blocked, but his second was a neat chip over Reis that was bound for goal.
At this point coach Tommy Soehn made the first of three savvy substitutions, sending Ben Olsen in for the exhausted Fred. The move amounted to a reload, and it paid off for United. Olsen took the spark from Moreno's goal and added gasoline. The result was the go-ahead goal. Olsen hustled down the right side of the pitch all the way to the end line and crossed diagonally into the middle of the box to the feet of Gomez. The Argentinean's one-timed shot deflected off Emilio past Reis.
Soehn went for a similar substitution after United's third goal. Though starter Clyde Simms wore down over the course of the game, United had the luxury of reloading with Brian Carroll at the holding midfielder spot. Carroll used his limited minutes preciously, doing more than just cleaning up loose balls.
In the 83rd minute, Carroll received the ball in United's half of the field and started to run forward. Doing his best Leo Messi impression, the normally defensive-minded midfielder caught the Revolution defense off-guard and made one of the most impressive runs of the season. After blowing past two defenders, Carroll reached the endline, held the ball at the edge of the penalty box, and floated a perfect ball to Emilio, who whipped in a header from close range.
With Bobby Boswell in the game for Christian Gomez, United played the possession game once again. This time they succeeded. Thanks to United's defensive form and competent passing, New England rarely touched the ball in the last 15 minutes of play and did not attempt a single shot.
The win gave United a 2-0-1 series victory over New England and moved them four points clear in the Eastern Conference. Though none of United's remaining opponents have more wins than losses, they will play four games against three teams whose postseason hopes will be on the line: Chicago, Columbus, and Kansas City.
This final stretch is critical in determining Supporter's Shield and home field advantage in the playoffs, but Soehn would do well to consider the fitness of his players over other priorities. Of the many honors in U.S. club soccer, the MLS Cup is the piece de resistance. While it's nice being the best team in the regular season, running your team into the ground to achieve the feat should not be justified.
Briefly Noted: Jaime Moreno was honored before the game with a video tribute commemorating his 109th goal, the most in MLS history... Josh Gros made his return to the lineup after several weeks of concussion recovery... Moreno received an IV for viral sickness before the game... Luciano Emilio's 18 goals lead the MLS. He is five away from United's single season record.