United need a win over Wizards, and other magic
By: Craig Stouffer
Examiner Staff Writer
October 23, 2009
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| D.C. United goalkeeper Steve Cronin earned a six-save shutout last week against Columbus. (Getty Images) |
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D.C. part of the tightest MLS playoff race ever
Significant hesitation is justified when considering D.C. United's chances of making the MLS playoffs. They're part of the tightest scrum of teams vying for the postseason in the league's 14-year history, and even with a victory in their regular season finale at Kansas City, they won't control their destiny in a seven-team battle for the final three playoff berths.
But the emergence of some defensive intensity and a fortunate late addition in goal helped the cornered dogs find the bite to fend off a premature end to their season last week. United (9-8-12) hopes to thrive on that desperation again versus the already-eliminated Wizards (8-13-8).
"I think everyone's motivated," said D.C. defender Dejan Jakovic. "The chemistry's there."
Goalkeeper Steve Cronin -- an emergency loan replacement for injured Josh Wicks -- was key to last week's 1-0 upset of Columbus, earning a six-save shutout five days after joining the club. He also surrendered only a penalty kick in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Toluca.
"I think the key the last two games, guys are just willing to battle," said Cronin.
The addition of Devon McTavish (quadriceps) to United's lengthy injury list will again complicate the arithmetic required to piece together a back line. But the only math head coach Tom Soehn cares about is one more victory.
"There's so many scenarios that can work out," said Soehn. "Obviously, you go over all of them in your head, and you hope that you get some help along the way. But ultimately, we have to help ourselves and make sure we come out and continue to play aggressively and for each other. If we get in the playoffs, I think we'll find ourselves in a spot where we're climbing a hill and looking good."
