Kick This!

United 1 - Crew 0, Oct. 17, 2009

Splishy Splashy

United's starting lineup was surprising and inherently mysterious, as if Schroedinger's cat had been placed into Pandora's box. Confounding expectations, and just when the team seemed to be gelling with four in the back, Soehn sent out a 3-5-2. This was particularly alarming given that Columbus has shown superior flank play this season that could--and did--expose United's outside mids.

From the opening whistle Columbus looked quicker and more purposeful. They would continue to be more successful in winning and keeping the ball as the match wore on. But DC United, on the back of a fine performance by a loaner keeper and one inspired connection between Boyzzz and Emilio, got the job done. It was workmanlike and ugly, but the fans finally got to watch a league win at home.

Crew 1 - United 1 July 4, 2009

Yellow Is The Color Of Piss

This was a six-point game, with United sitting one point ahead of the Yellow Team when the opening whistle blew. The depth of United's roster would be put to the test on a night where key starters Emilio, Moreno, Quaranta, and Jackovic were missing.

Depleted though it was, United had the game within its grasp, but could not muster enough sustained tactical variety or individual quality to win. The full three points lay tantalizingly out of reach . . . .

Talon Rating:  2 1/2 out of 5 birds