The last time D.C. United went to Mexico and lost to CD Guadalajara, it responded by losing its next three league matches.
United midfielder Clyde Simms said Tuesday’s defeat in the Copa Sudamericana was even more disappointing than the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup loss in April. But it’s fueling the team’s desire to maintain its current superior form in league play in its final regular season road game against the Wizards.
“I think having this game is great for us,” said Simms. “I think we’ll definitely have that Chivas game in the back of our minds going into the game and during the game. I think we let ourselves down a little bit, and we want to come back to MLS, prove we are the best team and win the Supporters’ Shield.”
United is unbeaten in 11 straight regular season games, but Tuesday’s loss was both a reality check and a playoff atmosphere trial run.
“[We] realize that we’re not a perfect team, and we have to perform in order to get results,” said defender Greg Vanney. “It doesn’t matter if it’s league or outside of league. We realize that, and we realize that every game there’s little issues to overcome.”
Kansas City will be without defender and team captain Jimmy Conrad as well as midfielder Davy Arnaud (four goals, six assists), both players serving red card suspensions. United midfielder Fred (groin) and forward Jaime Moreno (ankle) are both listed as questionable.
D.C. United at Kansas City Wizards
When » Tonight, 8
Where » Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
TV » HDNet, Comcast SportsNet +
Radio » 1160 AM, SRN (1540 AM, 1390 AM, 1600 AM and 1350 AM)
