It may only be the middle of July, but thanks to D.C. United’s historic 13-game unbeaten streak — now alone as the fourth-best in MLS history — it’s not too early to look at the playoffs.
With 13 regular season games remaining, United’s magic number to earn a berth in the postseason is six. But in reality it could be much lower due to any ties.
Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Columbus moved D.C. (13-1-5, 44 points) within one point of the totals of the bottom two teams to qualify for the playoffs last year, Los Angeles and Colorado.
“I’m not a numbers guy,” said United midfielder Josh Gros. “We’ve just got to keep winning and make sure we’re playing good so when playoffs come, we’re at our peak instead of petering out along the way.”
United also improved itsperfect records to 11-0-3 against the Eastern Conference and 8-0-2 at home. The team’s next three regular season games come on the road, and two of the next seven are against Western Conference foes.
“[Playing on the road,] that’s the best motivation,” said United midfielder Brian Carroll, who notched his first goal of the season Saturday. “We have three road games, and no matter where you go on the road, it’s going to be tough to play.”
