D.C. United entered Saturday evening’s matchup with the Chicago Fire needing just a single point to clinch a first-place conference finish, their first since 2007.
They got that and more, dispatching of the Fire 2-1, the three points they earned good enough to put second place New England permanently out of reach. The victory also sewed up a spot in 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League play and secured home-field advantage throughout a portion of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Highlights:
The Good: Eddie Johnson
The oft-maligned striker was United’s chief contributor on Saturday, notching a goal and an assist over his 76-minute shift. It’s obviously been an interesting year for EJ. He struggled to find his scoring touch early on in the campaign and couldn’t seem to establish a role when partnered up top with Fabian Espindola. His slow production led to his exclusion from Jurgen Klinsmann’s World Cup squad, and his off-the-field actions (a pair of social media kerfuffles) didn’t really help his case either.
Yet the guy has quietly put together a decent season, his seven goals just two shy of the nine he tallied during his celebrated 2013 season with the Seattle Sounders. And he’s managed to contribute in Champions League play as well, his two goals helping United along to the quarterfinals of the competition.
On Saturday, EJ had his best game of the year. His hold-up play was outstanding; he played an inch-perfect cross to Chris Pontius on United’s first goal and displayed an opportunistic edge on their second. Here’s to hoping he can keep this form going through the playoffs.
Honorable Mention: The crowd
United’s first sellout of the year, at 20,162 people.
The Bad: Too much time and space
It would be unfair to say that United were lucky to win the match; they certainly were good enough on the ball and took their chances. But Chicago was certainly allowed to hang around and took advantage of D.C.’s relaxed defensive attitude, especially in a second half that saw them string together a number of quality chances.
After the match, United captain Bobby Boswell had this much to say: “It was a combination of things. It was our approach. If anything I think we may trained too hard this week, so maybe we were a little leggy. I know I was, a little bit. I’ll talk to our staff about that. At the end of the day, we have to still be better. We’re priming ourselves for the playoffs. We can’t come out and play like that in the playoffs.”
Moment of the Match: Eddie Johnson’s game-winner
The Rest: D.C. will travel to Panama City on Monday for their mid-week encounter with Tauro FC, their group stage finale in CCL play. Though they’ve already qualified for the next phase of the tournament, seeding is at stake, and United would do well to emerge victorious. They’ll try and do that with a skeleton crew. United are sending a group comprised mostly of reserves, and assistant coach Chad Ashton will assume head coaching duties for the match.
More importantly, I’m sure you remember our friend ANGRY JOE WILLIS, United’s affable backup goalkeeper. I caught up with him shortly after warmups, sporting a “thank you fans” kit, part of United’s fan appreciation night. I snapped his photo, and he very quickly assumed the expression that we’ve all come to enjoy:
