I don’t want to say it but I think I have to. I’m a DC United fan for the next four weeks. It has nothing to do with the teams shocking, Wigan-esque capture of the US Open Cup. Rather, it has everything to do with the New England Revolution’s playoff hopes.
With eight teams still in post-season contention, there is no question that the Eastern Conference is congested. New York, Kansas City and Montreal have all but secured their playoff positions which leaves Houston, Philadelphia, Columbus, New England and Chicago in a fight for the final two spots. While the Revs still control their fate with four games left, it’s very likely that they will need other results to go their way.
Enter DC United, the ultimate spoiler.
All of United’s final four games are against Eastern Conference foes as they face the Fire (10/4), the Union (10/12), Sporting KC (10/18) and the Dynamo (10/27). Wins against any, or all, of these teams would go a long way in helping the Revs return to that playoffs for the first time since 2009. Hoping for wins from a team that has only collected 3 in 30 games may seem irrational, but there are some reasons to be optimistic.
First, DC United will be playing 3 of the 4 games at home, a place where they have collected all of their 2013 wins. DC fans are some of the most dedicated in MLS and Ben Olsen will want to give them a reason to be optimistic about next year. Furthermore, minimal travel means that the team can focus on practicing.
Secondly, DC United will be riding a post-Open Cup high. DC, the league’s cellar dwellers, surprised soccer fans throughout the country when they traveled to Rio Tinto Stadium and defeated Real Salt Lake, the top team in the Western Conference. Although Open Cup play has always differed from league play, there should be some hope that DC United can steal some wins to close out the season. This is especially true if teams choose to underestimate them.
Finally, athletes are playing for their jobs. With such a poor record, there are few guarantees in regard to players returning. Young players, like Conor Doyle, Jared Jaffrey and Sainey Nyassi, need to show their potential. Older players, like Dwayne DeRosario, John Thorrington and Dejan Jakovoic, need to show that they still have enough in the tank. Injury-prone players, like Nick DeLeon and Chris Pontius, need to show that the can stay fit. With so many players fighting for a job, it’s not unreasonable to expect the unexpected.
Thinking DC United, a team that has claimed more victories against MLS teams in the Open Cup then they have in league play, to win out season is largely illogical, but it won’t stop me from rooting for the Black-and-Red for the final stretch of the season. Yes, it may feel dirty but for the next four weeks I’m a member of the Screaming Eagles. I may even dye my hair like Nick DeLeon.
(image courtesy of Kari Heistad)
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