I'm a fan of DC United, and I was excited to watch them play on Saturday night at RFK Stadium. Unfortunately, we arrived so late that we only got to see the second half, which yielded only a penalty save and a couple close shaves but no goals. The match ended 2-1 to DC. That said, it was fantastic to see live-- it renewed my appreciation for the incredible athleticism of the game. What on TV looks casual often seems lightning fast in 3D, and what looks a bad play becomes understandable when you don't have the benefit of a tidy overhead viewing angle.
We were sitting on the end that United were attacking, so we were able to fully appreciate the beauty and menace of their counterattack. It could be difficult to distinguish between people, but I liked what I saw from the entire attacking unit, and in particular Khumalo, who always looked menacing as both a hold-up forward and on the fast counter. (I wonder whether he might even have an outside chance of making South Africa's World Cup 2010 squad)
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Factor in that Josh Wicks is looking a solid goalkeeper, and I think DC could make it deep into the post-season this year so long as they are in form. They have bags of technical ability, especially compared to most MLS teams, and a good blend of youth and experience.
On the other hand, experience doesn't count for much if they are throwing temper tantrums in and, more tellingly, out of the dressing room, as with Luciano Emilio's red card strop on national TV last week, when he threw water bottles onto the field after being subbed. Other players are also making discontented mews about lack of playing time, and you wonder whether storm clouds are gathering over the DC dressing room.
-Alex D
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