When D.C. United won its most recent MLS Cup in 2004, it finished the regular season with three straight wins. Last year United backslid into the playoffs with a loss and a tie and was promptly bounced in the first round.
With Sunday’s loss to Chicago dropping D.C. to 2-2-5 since late July, United knows it needs to right the ship … and fast.
“We had it out today,” said United midfielder Ben Olsen after practice on Tuesday. “[Head coach] Peter [Nowak] got into us and I think the good thing is, every game’s a new chance to get this team in the right direction. We have the time and to be this concerned now, I still think is okay. I still think we have time to move in the right direction.”
Nowak played down his message to the team and the need for momentum, saying it can go both ways – San Jose won the 2003 title after going winless in its final four regular season contests.
“They’re an intelligent group,” said Nowak. “They know we’ve been in this tough stretch and we have to go back to basics. I think they understand the message.”
With three of its final four matches at home and none during midweek before the playoffs start, the schedule plays out nicely. But there’ll be little room for excuses if United exits the postseason early for the second straight season.
“When people from the top start coming down on you, it’s never fun but it’s good, if that makes any sense,” said United defender Bobby Boswell. “Basically we just have to find that extra work, find that extra energy and do the things we need to do to get things turned around.”
