If there was any solace for D.C. United in Sunday’s Major League Soccer Eastern Conference final at RFK Stadium, the beleaguered hosts played their best soccer in three months. It would’ve fit perfectly into the team’s 14-game winning streak during the first half of the season.
Yet 2006 ultimately will be remembered for United’s late-season slide — just three wins after July 15 — and one early defensive lapse Sunday that allowed the visiting New England Revolution the only goal needed for a 1-0 win in front of 19,552 and a berth in their second straight MLS Cup.
“I didn’t want the season to end,” said Ben Olsen, who led United with four shots. “It’s been long year, and it would’ve been nice to make a trip to Dallas. Soccer’s funny like that. You do everything right, and you make a mistake, and the game’s over.”
In the fourth minute, Revolution midfielder Jay Heaps sent a long ball down the right side to Pat Noonan, who was given just enough space to cross to an unmarked Taylor Twellman for the score.
United responded with a gutsy performance at breakneck speed, posting 10 shots and seven corner kicks in the first half alone. D.C. finished with 18 shots. New England goalkeeper Matt Reis made eight saves, the best a diving deflection of Freddy Adu’s long-range blast the 48th minute.
“We made one mistake,” said Adu, who was replaced in the 65th minute by Matias Donnet. “It hurts. Especially the way it ended, just watching the game from the bench the last 20 minutes of the game, probably was the worst feeling I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
Bidding Adu?
» Freddy Adu said he’s not sure he’ll return to United for a fourth season. The 17-year-old has long professed a desire to play in Europe.
“Honestly, I couldn’t stand here and tell you that right now because there’s some serious thoughts going on so we’ll see,” said Adu. “[United] is my team. I would like to be back, but my ultimate goal is to go overseas and if it comes sooner rather than later, I’ll take it.”
