After the final whistle of Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rapids, DC United walked off the field frustrated. Settling for a 1-1 tie, United failed to get a win for the fourth game in a row in league play. Amidst unequivocally their worst stretch of the season, the Black-and-Red have seemed punchless, lethargic, and disjointed. In these dark days, pessimism tends to take root.

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against Red Bull New York, the obvious prediction would involve a hungry New York team scrapping their way past a DC team not known for its stellar Open Cup play. However, there are several reasons to discount the negativity surrounding United. Consider:

• United are enjoying a truly remarkable season. They are on pace to lose only 3 games in league play, an MLS record.
• Other MLS elite clubs have suffered similar stretches, only to suddenly regain form. FC Dallas lost 3 in a row before reeling off 6 straight wins.
• DC’s sluggish play is more likely the result of emotional fatigue than physical exhaustion. Their roster is deep, versatile, and injury-free. High-profile results against Real Madrid and Chelsea sapped the adrenaline out of them, but you can be sure Coach Nowak will restore his team’s appetite for victory.
• Matias Donnet should add to United’s impressive depth. This year’s annual Argentine pick-up comes from the legendary club Boca Juniors. Though still developing his fitness level, Donnet looks to provide versatility to the United midfield.
• As analyst Eric Wynalda pointed out during ESPN’s telecast of Saturday’s game, it is not crucial to be playing well at this point in the season. A month from now, when MLS Cup playoffs begin, is the best time to heat up.