Although D.C. United escaped from underneath the weight of a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over Toronto last weekend. However, game tape revealed something alarmingly familiar: two more opposing goals from counterattacks sparked by defensive letdowns on throw ins.
Still in last place in the Eastern Conference with formidable rival New England (6-3-1) its host, United (3-7) must solve its vulnerability on the most seemingly innocuous play in soccer if it hopes to charge back into contention.
“It’s a concentration thing and making sure that we recognize that every play is important,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “Whether it’s a throw-in or something that looks insignificant, we have to see it out like it’s something that ends up in the back of your net. That kind of urgency we haven’t had so we have to make sure of that, especially on the road.”
Clyde Simms — who covers as much ground as any defensive midfielder in MLS but could also be the league’s quietest player — knows his decibel level has become as important as his tackling ability when it comes to recognizing threats.
“We’ve had to have some guys, me included, that in the past aren’t the most vocal guys, are having to step up and add that to their game,” said Simms.
As bad as United has been away from RFK Stadium this season — five losses in five games, one goal scored, 12 allowed — they haven’t lost at New England since 2005. Both players and coaches also said Gillette Stadium’s artificial surface is perhaps the most closely approximated to natural grass.
United, however, does have a roster concern. Central defender Gonzalo Peralta’s status is unknown — his wife is set to give birth and might not be available — meaning extra responsibility for embattled goalkeeper Zach Wells to keep the defenders in front of him organized.
“They’ve been pretty encouraging to do more of that,” said Wells. “That’s been my focus this week, just some clear, more demanding communication to try to make their jobs and my job easier.”
