Playoffs still in reach despite latest struggles
A season-long effort to balance multiple competitions and endless injuries reached a tipping point in D.C. United’s 2-0 midweek loss in Honduras to CD Marathon in the CONCACAF Champions League.
United’s second straight defeat made advancing in the regional tournament a near impossibility. But it doesn’t affect the Major League Soccer regular season, where D.C. still maintains a precarious hold on a playoff spot with five games remaining.
“We have to focus on one thing, I think, at this point now,” said United midfielder Santino Quaranta. “Realistically, are we going to get out of the group in CONCACAF? I don’t know. I’d say, no, the odds are against us. Right now, we’re really trying to focus on this playoff run.”
“The regular season does take precedence,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “We need to make the playoffs, and we’re going to put ourselves in the best opportunity to do that.”
The team’s overall health continues to improve, and the return of Jaime Moreno, who missed last week’s two-game road trip, and Gonzalo Peralta, who hasn’t played a league match since June, should provide a lift. Luciano Emilio and Fred are also regaining form. Marc Burch will miss the match due to a red card suspension.
“[The veterans are] what makes us play a pretty brand of soccer,” said Soehn. “We have to adjust and play a little bit more of a grinding and hustling team, which isn’t our forte. Getting everybody back will aid us to getting us back to the way we like to play.”
D.C. United at FC Dallas
Where » Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas
When » Sunday at 3
TV » TeleFutura
Radio » 1050 AM (English), 1540 AM (Spanish)
