Consistency is of pinnacle importance to a team's success at the highest level of club soccer. Unfortunately for D.C. United, finding consistency and keeping it has been this season's significant challenge. After dropping three points on the road to the New England Revolution midweek, the squad had alternated wins and losses in their previous five matches. On the plus side, their opponents on Saturday night were their Western Conference mirror image - the Colorado Rapids had succeeded in taking the maximum return in only three matches since the beginning of June. With both teams on the fringes of the MLS playoff race - United currently in seventh position, and the Rapids four points off the pace - something had to give. more ›