United Clings to Playoff Dream with 2-1 Win
D.C. United have made a habit of dropping points this season, especially lately. A 5-2 laugher in Los Angeles was followed by successive pathetic shutouts against Dallas and Chivas USA. All results that somehow made last weekend's goalless draw at Houston look like a major victory while simultaneously dwindling D.C.'s playoff hopes.
Those hopes look a touch brighter this morning, as the boys in black overcame a second half Taylor Twellman goal with -- incredible though this might seem -- two Francis Doe goals to beat the New England Revolution 2-1 in front of 17,000 at RFK last night. Doe was a man transformed from the clueless, pushover striker who had not, to date, ever scored for the club. His early movement was lively and his link-ups with star forward Luciano Emilio helped give D.C. a steady stream of chances. But for all his effort, Emilio's struggles in front of the net continued, and he wasted at least four quality opportunities (one clanging off the bar) in the first half alone.
D.C. also looked sharp down the flanks, with the tireless Ivan Guerrero getting to the line and serving dangerous balls across the penalty area and Thabiso Khumalo creating opportunities by cutting inside. New England had some chances -- mostly from the speed and drive of Khano Smith on the left flank -- but United did a good job of neutralizing star midfielder Shalrie Joseph, now sporting the league's most ridiculous hairstyle.
The second half started promisingly, but a colossal breakdown in the back allowed Mauricio Castro to beat an offsides trap. When United keeper Crayton came to block, Castro squared the ball to former US international Taylor Twellman who tapped (literally) the ball into an empty net. D.C. did what they always do after going down a goal -- they frantically pushed forward and left their defense completely exposed. A few minutes later, Smith played a teasing cross to Twellman who somehow managed to shoot over with Crayton completely beaten. D.C. quickly took advantage of the missed opportunity. Jaime Moreno -- who entered as a sub in the 61st minute -- played a counter-attack through-ball to Doe, who cut against the grain and fired low to beat Matt Reis.
The outcome was still in doubt, though D.C. pushed their advantage by bringing on midfielder Fred. Guerrero was finding all kinds of space on the left and delivering some wonderful crosses into the penalty area, but DC couldn't find the finishing touch. It finally did come -- but from an uncharacteristically direct move. Crayton bombed the ball up field, Santino Quaranta challenged and flicked the ball into space. Doe shrugged off MLS Defender of the Year Michael Parkhurst and then stabbed the ball over Reis for a 2-1 lead.
The last ten minutes were filled with some humorous time-wasting tactics from Crayton, a few chippy fouls, and a fair bit of whining from Revolution coach Steve Nicol and his charges. D.C. finally escaped with the win, setting them up for a season-ending showdown at Columbus, who, by the way, has absolutely nothing to play for. Nothing's guaranteed, but a gritty home win last night ensures Tom Soehn's banged-up and beleaguered team stays in the mix for at least one more week.