With plot lines multiple and varied, it’s the kind of game professional athletes thrive on, said D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn.
“The only bad part is I can’t play,” said Soehn. “… I think we’re so ready for the game, I think there’s an anxiety to get to game time, but that’s about it.”
In tonight’s second game of the Eastern Conference semifinals, United, the best team in Major League Soccer all season, has its back against the wall, down one goal-to-none against Chicago, the hottest team in the league.
D.C. needs a victory over the Fire, a team it has never beaten or scored upon in the postseason, to stay alive.
Both teams have closed their practices to the media most of the week, and United is trying not to deviate from the mentality that help them earn the league’s best regular-season record.
“You have to come out with the attitude that you know you can win,” said United midfielder Clyde Simms. “You can’t have any doubts, or you’re going to struggle.”
United hasn’t won in four games, however, including 180 straight scoreless minutes against the Fire. D.C. must end that drought and more, scoring early to draw even and prevent Chicago from bunkering in around its goal.
A two-goal victory in regulation sends United through to the conference final, while a one-goal win would mean a tie score overall. If that’s the case, the two teams will play a 30-minute overtime. If still tied, penalty kicks will determine the winner.
“It’s no secret they’re a very good defensive team,” said United midfielder Ben Olsen. “But it’s no secret we’re a very good offensive team. It should pretty fun.”
