DC United MLS Season Preview 2007

Although the hoopla for Major League Soccer in 2007 might center around David Beckham, the fact of the matter is that Becks isn't arriving until July. The big story from the start of the season until then should be the dominatation dealt upon MLS by DC United.

A typical RFK sight in July.
Last year, DC United jumped out of the gate and cruised from the very get go. They had a 15-match unbeaten streak at one point and had the entire league by the balls for the majority of the season. That being said, the Black-and-Red struggled mightily down the stretch, going 3-5-6 post-All-Star Game. DC barely hung on to win the Supporters Shield, edging out FC Dallas by a mere 3 points. If the regular season was one week longer they likely would have lost out to the Hoops.

DC continued the so-so performance in the play-offs against the New York Red Bulls. Christian Gomez bailed the Black-and-Red out twice in those encounters. The league MVP scored DC's only goals in both games, including late in the 2nd leg to clinch advancment to the Eastern Conference Finals. Let's just say that if you're celebrating a tie with the New York MLS team, things aren't going as well as they could be. DC United finally looked sharp against the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Revs were better overall and held on for a exciting 1 - 0 victory at RFK.

In the offseason, DC United had some major acquisitions and some major departures. All things considered, the team should be better in 2007 than they were in 2006.

This season, there are many changes to look forward to...

The coach. DC has a new coach at the helm, Tommy Soehn. He's replacing Peter Nowak who left to become an assistant for the US Men's National Team. Soehn has been an assitstant for DC for many years and is getting his time to shine.

The newbies. Luciano Emilio instantly won over DC fans with four goals in three games during the CONCACAF Champions Cup. He netted three against his former team, CD Olimpia, and one late goal against Chivas de Guadalajara. Also joining the team are former Australian League MVP, Fred, and English youngster Yinka Casal. These players should take some of the load off of Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez during the dog days of July.

The competition. Clint Dempsey is gone and the Revolution have added no one to keep their string of MLS Cup appearances alive. Chicago added Mexican superstar Blanco, but that's more of a ticket-seller move than Beckham. The Red Bulls, Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards and expansion Toronto FC don't seem a threat, as well. The Eastern Conference is definitely DC's for the taking.

With all the good about the team, there are a few points of concern:

The veterans. Jaime Moreno is old. Old people aren't good at soccer. This is worrysome. Aside from the absolutely AWESOME bicycle kick against Chivas, he's done very little for the squad in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Also, Christian Gomez is looking for more money at the end of the season and DC might opt not to give it to him. These two players are the heart and soul of the team and need to be consistent contributors AND have their heads in the game. If not we're toast.

The departed. Freddy Adu and Alecko Eskandarian are gone, to Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC, respectively. Both of these guys were key members of DC's 2004 MLS Championship team and last years Supporters Shield team. Neither of them, however, was very consistant. Backup Goalkeeper Nick Rimando is also gone, leaving us with a weaker back up (Jay Nolly). It's yet to be seen if their departure will be a blessing or a curse.

The schedule. DC's season started two months earlier than most MLS teams because of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They'll also be playing in the new MLS/FMF SuperLiga and could lose a few starters for the Gold Cup and Copa America. This team ran out of gas last year because they were overworked with matches. This could be there undoing again in 2007.

With all that being said, DC United is clearly the best team on paper. The only other serious challengers for MLS Cup 2007 are the Houston Dynamo (last year's champs) and Los Angeles Galaxy (assuming Beckham and Donovan mesh well).

Expect many reasons to wave flags this season.

With MLS Cup 2007 taking place in Washington, DC at RFK Stadium, I fully expect the Black-and-Red to be playing for their 5th Cup Championship. Along the way I wouldn't be suprised to see them pick up another Supporters Shield and possibly the new SuperLiga crown. The foundation for success has been set. It's time for the players to take the pitch and continue the winning tradition for DC United.

United Advances

DC United overcame the downpour last night to defeat CD Olimpia 3-2, advancing to the second round of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. United won this series by an aggregate score of 7-3 over the Honduran team.

Sloppy weather marred the victory, but the Black-and-Red won none-the-less. DC received two goals from recent acquisition Luciano Emilio, who tallied a total of three goals in the series against his former team. Christian Gomez, who also had three total goals in the series, netted one last night on a penalty kick.

Rainy view from 136.
Only 8,181 fans came out to see the match, an understandably low number given the poor conditions. It seemed that everyone in the crowd was either in the DC supporters' sections or hiding under the upper deck roof. Speaking of the supporters' sections...

One of the few flags.
La Barra Brava brought it last night. Despite the ugly weather, sections 135, 136, and parts of 137 were rocking. The group sang and cheered for the duration of the match. There were a bunch of attempts to wave flags, but few were successful because of the rain. I was whacked in the face quite a few times. No big whoop. In the end it was a very good turnout for the first game of the year.

Final score in favor of DC.
DC will now face CD Chivas de Guadalajara of Mexico in the semifinals. RFK Stadium will house the first leg on March 15th and the teams will meet in Guadalajara, Mexico on April 3rd for the second leg.

This match should be off the charts in terms of fan support. Chivas has HUGE fan support all over the US, and they will definitely be heard at RFK in two weeks. Hopefully the weather is nicer so DC can show them how we do.

DC United vs. CD Olimpia, 2nd Leg

Round 2...Fight!

DC United takes on CD Olimpia tonight at RFK Stadium for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup first round. DC holds an almost insurmountable lead in the series, having won 4 - 1 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras last week.

As long as DC doesn't lose by three goals or more, they're advancing to the second round and will face CD Guadalajara (MEXICO) in the second round. Guadalajara, aka Chivas, defeated W Connection (TRINIDAD & TOBAGO) in the first round to advance.

For the first time since last season's disappointment in the MLS playoffs, the Black-and-Red will take the field at RFK in front of the homes fans. I can't wait to get back in the thick of things. The off-season has been too long!

Party time!

Damn, son.

Wow.

Last night DC United put a hurtin' on CD Olimpia. The Black-and-Red curb stomped "Los Leones" by a score of 4 - 1. This puts DC in a great position to advance to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Luciano Emilio, the former Olimpia player who joined United this off-season, had a brilliant back heel/flick goal in the first half to silence the crowd in the same stadium he used to call home. If Emilio can play like that during the MLS season, DC will be back in the MLS Championship hunt for sure.

As good as Emilio looked in his debut, the man of the match was without question Christian Gomez. Last year's MLS MVP scored two goals, including an absolutely beautiful strike to open scoring in the 29th minute.

In only the first game of 2007, DC already has two strong candidates for Goal of the Year. Facundo Erpen added a goal late in the 2nd half to seal the deal.

Overall, DC United looked amazing for a team in pre-season form. This was the best possible outcome for the match. In all likelihood DC should advance to the second round for a showdown with CD Chivas de Guadalajara. The return match in this series is March 1st at RFK, and a celebration is in store.

***
I watched the game at Finn macCool's on 8th Street SE in the Barracks Row area of Capitol Hill. There was a nice and boisterous crowd comprised of Barra Brava members. Loud pops for all of DC's goals, and sporadic cheers throughout.

The Irish-themed bar was very nice. It has the restaurant feel of the Dubliner as well as a nice pub atmosphere a la Irish Times. In my opinion it would fit quite nicely located between the two on Mass Ave NW. One of the nicest aspects of the bar was the bar itself. MacCool's has a beautiful mahogany bar spanning almost the entire length of the establishment. It very much reminded me of my time in Ireland, which usually isn't the case with Irish-themed bars.

This was my first venture into Barracks Row and it's quite nice. The area was formally a hotspot in DC before the race riots and white flight. I'll definitely be going back in the future.

DC United vs. CD Olimpia

DC United kicks off it's 2007 campaign tonight with a match against CD Olimpia as part of the opening round in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. The Champions' Cup is a competition with the best North American, Central American and Caribbean teams. The winner is entered into FIFA's Club World Cup, which isn't nearly as important as it sounds, but still would be a huge deal if an American team advanced.

CD Olimpia (HONDURAS) vs. DC United (UNITED STATES)
Club Deportivo Olimpia is a storied team in the top flight Honduran League. "Los Leones" have won the league 20 times. They won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1972 and 1988.

This match is a great way for DC to continue it's storied (albeit short) tradition. In just 11 years, the Red-and-Black have won 10 national and international trophies, including this CONCACAF Championship back in 1998. They are one of just two American teams to win the competition (Los Angeles Galaxy won it in 2000.) DC is looking to add yet another trophy to their crowded case.

This is DC's 7th time participating in CONCACAF Champions' Cup, more than any other MLS team. United earned the right to play for this competition by winning the MLS Supporters Shield in 2006. Houston Dynamo, the other MLS representative, also gained entry in the tournament by winning MLS Cup 2006.

There are a few aspects to look for in tonight's matchup:

1.) DC United has a new coach, Tom Soehn. He is replacing Peter Nowak who went on to become an assistant coach for the US Men's National Team.
2.)DC will be without past starters Alecko Eskandarian (traded to Toronto) and Freddy Adu (traded to Real Salt Lake).
3.)Brazilian striker Luciano Emilio signed with DC during the offseason. In a very interesting twist, he will play his first game in Black against his old team, CD Olimpia.

The series is home/away aggregate goal and the return leg will be played at RFK Stadium on March 1st. The tournament bracket is set up so that the winner of this series will play the winner of the CD Chivas de Guadalajara (MEXICO)/W Connection (TRINIDAD & TOBAGO) series in mid-March.

MVP Oversight

Interesting quote in today's Washington Post from Mike Wise in his article Agent Zero, Clearly No. 1. In talking up Gilbert Arenas for NBA MVP considerations, he notes that DC hasn't had an MVP candidate in any sport in over 15 years. He writes,

What matters is that a supernova from Washington, which hasn't had an athlete in the running for such an honor since Mark Rypien finished fourth in 1991 in NFL most valuable player balloting, is in the conversation.

What Mike Wise seemingly forgot is that Christian Gomez won the Major League Soccer MVP award barely three months ago. Gomez scored 14 goals, had 11 assists, and led DC United to the MLS Supporters' Shield. Marco Etcheverry also sported Black-and-Red when he took home MVP honors in the 1998 season.

DC definitely has some of the best soccer fans in the United States. It has also received incredible exposure from many local media outlets, including Comcast and WaPo's own blogger, Dan Steinberg. But DC still has to put up with ignorance from sports writers. Whether he purposely omitted Gomez and Etcheverry or was just unaware of their award winning seasons, it's still a slight to soccer, MLS, DC United and especially the two MVPs. Marco and Gomito deserve better than that.

Hopefully one of the Beckham effects will be sports writers considering MLS worthy of inclusion in general sports discussion.

Bring Esky Back

This town has it's fair share of charismatic sports stars. The Redskins have Clinton Portis, who likes to dress up in character for interviews. The Wiz Kids have Gilbert Arenas, who likes to shout "Hibachi!" when he hits jumpshots.

Unfortunately, we lost one of the brightest, young, charismatic stars yesterday when DC United traded away Alecko Eskandarian to Toronto FC for allocation money.

Alecko won fans over by his incredible performance in MLS Cup 2004, by scoring twice in four minutes. He was named Most Valuable Player of the match. He suffered a season-ending concussion early in 2005 and sat out most of the season. In 2006, he returned (with headgear) and was greeted by DC fans with huge "Bringing Esky Back" and "Fear the Headgear" signs at RFK. This year he scored the only goal for the Black-and-Red against Real Madrid.

This trade could work out if the allocation DC received in the trade is used to lure some big talent to the squad. It could also work out if Esky never reaches his full potential or bolts for Europe. However, in the mean time, this trade kind of stings.

Esky quickly became my favorite United player when he celebrated a goal against the New York Red Bulls by grabbing a Red Bull energy drink and spitting it out in disgust. He had a knack for scoring goals, but also a knack for getting nicked. When he's healthy and hot, he's unstoppable. When he's injured or cold, he's no good.



It could have been worse. He could have been traded to arch-rival New York (Jaime Moreno in 2003) or he could have been traded to a Western Conference team so I wouldn't get to see him often (Freddy Adu). I can't wait to see him tear up the rest of the Eastern Conference next season. Here's to hoping he succeeds in Toronto (except when they're playing DC).

Washington Woes

The Washington Redskins lost their season opener to the Minnesota Vikings. Two stupid plays by Sean Taylor and a missed field goal cost the 'Skins a very winable game. Even though the season is still young, this game could definitely come back to haunt the Burgandy and Gold.

The Washington Nationals suck. They're 26.5 games back in the NL East and have been mathematically eliminated. They're 12 games back of the NL Wild Card. On the bright side, the season is almost over and they're a half game ahead of the Baltimore Orioles.

Even the usually dependable D.C. United are laying eggs. The Black-and-Red are 1-1-3 since the All-Star Break and have almost blown their lead for the Supporter's Shield. They lost to the Chicago Fire in the U.S. Open Tournament to elimintate them from possibly achieving the first ever American Triple (U.S. Open, Supporter's Shield, MLS Cup). It's unlikely they'll win the MLS Cup since they'll most likely have to play Chicago again, and they always lose to Chicago in knock-out tournaments.

D.C. United vs. L.A. Galaxy

Tonight D.C. United (13-2-8, 1st East) takes on their closest rival in terms of on-the-field success in Major League Soccer, the Los Angeles Galaxy (7-11-5, 6th West). The two teams tied back in June 11th, 1-1, at the Home Depot Center. The Black-and-Red are fighting for the Supporters' Shield, while the Galaxy are simply aiming for a playoff spot. These two teams have trophy cases that are absolutely stuffed compared to the other teams in MLS.

D.C. United
1 CONCACAF Champions Cup (1998)
1 Interamerican Cup (1998)
4 MLS Cups (1996, '97, '99, 2004)
2 MLS Supporters' Shields (1997, '99)
1 U.S. Open Cup (1996)
5 Eastern Division Championships (1996, '97, '98, '99, 2004)

L.A. Galaxy
1 CONCACAF Champions Cup (2000)
2 MLS Cups (2002, '05)
2 MLS Supporters' Shields (1998, 2002)
2 U.S. Open Cups (2001, '05)
5 Western Division Championships (1996, '99, 2001, '02, '05)

It's worth noting that L.A. has the upper hand in the all-time series, 13-11-3. However, D.C. beat L.A. twice in the MLS Cup final, in the inaugural game in 1996 and then again in 1999. It should also be noted that the Galaxy have never missed the playoffs, while D.C. stayed home from 2000-02. Without question these two teams are the premier franchises of Major League Soccer.

Things to look for tonight include the return of Santino Quaranta, who was traded to the Galaxy recently, and the treatment of Landon Donovan by the Screaming Eagles and Barra Brava. They don't take kindly to the poster child of American soccer.

United Down Red Bulls

Last night was what I expected from a United-Red Bull matchup. After a fairly even first half, the Black-and-Red toyed with the Red Bulls for the final 45 minutes, coming up with a 3 - 1 victory. Goals were scored by Josh "Ew" Gros and Jamil Walker, who netted two. D.C. United advances to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup and will travel to Chicago to face the Fire on September 6th.

View from Section 330-something.
This game was definitely a step in the right direction for the team. Most of the usual starters did not play. Troy Perkins, Freddy Adu, and Chrisitian Gomez did not see the field. Ben Olsen and Jaime Moreno were subbed in during the 60th minute and seemed to set the pace for the final two goals scored in the game. The mere fact that D.C.'s second team can beat their biggest rivals by two goals is exciting. Now all we need is for the first team to get out on the pitch and dominate someone. They'll have a shot this Saturday as D.C. United takes on their closest rival in terms of success, the L.A. Galaxy.

Bruce Arena got some boos and a lot of cheers for his return. It's hard not to like the coach, but if he sticks with the Red Bulls for a while I'm sure I'll grow to despise him.

D.C. United vs. Red Bull New York

Tomorrow night marks a non-league meeting between D.C. United and Red Bull New York aka New York Red Bulls aka MetroStars aka NY/NJ MetroStars or whatever the hell they're called this week. The winner of the match advances to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup.

These two teams have sparked a bit of a rivalry, as they compete for the Atlantic Cup. United has won three of the four competitions and hold the lead in 2006. This season, the Black-and-Red hold a 1-0-2 record with the Red Bulls. Although this particular match will not count towards the competition, expect tempers to flare regardless.


Earlier this season, D.C. United's Alecko Eskandarian (YouTube highlight vid) celebrated a goal against the Red Bulls by taking a big swig of the Red Bull energy drink . . . and then spiting it out disgustedly on national television. Also, the company that owns the Red Bulls and the Red Bull eneregy drink, Anschutz Energy Group, paid for over 800 fans to travel for free to Washington, D.C. to see the two teams compete. This didn't sit well with D.C. supporters and there were reported incidents after the game in the parking lots.

Finally, this game marks Bruce Arena's first visit back to RFK Stadium as a visiting coach. He led D.C. United to three MLS Cups, winning two and losing one, in his three years as head coach from 1996-1998. After his run with the U.S Men's National Team, he took the job as Red Bull's head coach. It'll be interesting to see how Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles great him.

I fully expect D.C. to turn things around after their little slide of three straight ties. Since this game is for a knock-out tournament, one team is guaranteed to win, and everything looks to be in D.C.'s favor. A loss to the Red Bulls would be disasterous.

United Tread Water With Rapids

D.C. United had the perfect opportunity to get revenge on one of the two teams in MLS that defeated them this year, the Colorado Rapids. Instead of unleashing a beating in a statement game at home (the first league game at RFK since beating Columbus back in mid-July), the Black-and-Red came out cold and uninspired and managed just a 1 - 1 draw with the 3rd place team the Western Division. The tie gave the season series to Colorado and left United supporters with the feeling that this team is not nearly as good as they seemed in July.

View from Section 137, Row 7, Seat 1

The team played very well in the second half. Christian Gomez scored on a cross in the 56th minute to tie the game before being subbed out with a hamstring pull. Despite outplaying the Rapids for the last 45 minutes, the team couldn't push ahead in the mid-afternoon heat.

Coming into this game, United's home record in the league was 8-0-1. The Rapid's road record in league was 1-6-1. This was a gimmie game and the team blew it. Was the ref bad? Yes. That was definitely a Penalty Kick for Freddy Adu, who was getting fouled all game. Was it hot as hell down on that field? Yes, and the team dealt with that to get the equalizer in the 2nd half. But these are issues that great teams will overcome to win.

The Black-and-Red are winless in their last four MLS games (0-1-3) against mediocre teams like Red Bull New York, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire and the Colorado Rapids. Back in July when they won 7 in a row and had a 14-game unbeaten streak going, I was sure that this team was not only the best league team but also the best MLS team ever. Now, um, not so much.

This team needs to start dominating. In the next month, they play eight games of the utmost importance. I am proclaiming this stretch to be Remove All Doubt Month. United need to use these games to run away from the league, clinch the Supporter's Shield, and put themselves in position to claim their 5th MLS Cup. Unless they start playing they way they're capable, D.C. United will keep floating towards dissapointment in November.

Exhibition-Smexhibition

I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit of a hypocrite on the issue of exhibition/pre-season matches. On one hand, I was ecstatic that D.C. United competed well against Celtic FC and Real Madrid when they played friendlies this summer. On the other hand, I refuse to watch tonight's pre-season match between the Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Who cares? Who would ever pay to watch a pre-season football game? Is there any reason to watch tonight's "game"? Nothing good can come out of it. Best case scenario is that nobody gets hurt.

Pre-season NFL football should be eliminated. Get rid of all but one or two pre-season games and add two regular season match-ups, preferably with geographical rivals (BAL-WAS, NYG-NYJ, HOU-DAL, etc.) If a team doesn't have a geo-rival, then tough titties. They have to play a home-and-home with the Arizona Cardinals.

Now, with all that being said, the past two soccer exhibitions have been awesome. D.C. United waxed Celtic by four goals and the D.C. United/Real Madrid match-up made my mouth water. During the Red-and-Black's draw with Los Galacticos, there were a handful of really entertaining moments. The best part was Troy Perkins stopping Roberto Carlos' absolute laser of a free kick from just outside the box. That was a world-class save . . . even if it didn't mean anything.

D.C. United vs. Real Madrid

Tonight, D.C. United takes on perennial Spanish power Real Madrid in Seattle, WA of all places. The match can be seen on Comcast SportsNet at 11:00pm. The international friendly will mark D.C.'s first action since their U.S. Open Cup win over the Columbus Crew. That is, if you don't count the MLS All-Stars victory over Chelsea, in which eight players sported the Red-and-Black shield.

In today's Washington Post article, Real Madrid is described as having "the history of the Dallas Cowboys with the recent performance of the Boston Red Sox and the notoriety of the Los Angeles Lakers."

Not too shabby.

They're stacked to the brim with world-class talent, including: David Beckham, Fabio Cannavaro, Raul, Robinho, Roberto Carlos, Ruud van Nistelrooy, etc. Unfortunately, Zinedine Zidane retired after the World Cup and Ronaldo won't make the trip. They truly are one of the world's premiere club teams and it's an honor for D.C. to go up against them, even if it is just an exhibition.

This match is ultimately useless, but it will be nice to see MLS's best franchise square off with a world-class power. In the past year, the Red-and-Black have matched up quite nicely with Celtic (Won, 4 - 0) and Chelsea (Lost, 1-2). It's nice to see these teams playing the best US soccer has to offer instead of MLS clunkers like the Los Angeles Galaxy.

I would have liked to include a YouTube video of Real Madrid to show what they're like, but I couldn't find any video that didn't have horrible Euro-techno as the soundtrack (Exhibit A, Exhibit B).

Disgusting.

United Slam Hoops

D.C. United kept on rolling, defeating Scotland's Celtic FC 4 - 0 in a friendly at rain-soaked RFK Stadium last night. The Black-and-Red were kick started by a goal from 17-year-old Freddy Adu in the 43rd minute, and added three more in the second half. The Hoops, with their trademark jerseys notably and unfortunately absent, looked lost for the entire duration.

It was awesome watching United play at top form with many of their key starters not on the pitch. For various reasons, Jaime Moreno, Brian Carroll, Bryan Namoff and Troy Perkins all did not play. They looked excellent and I can't wait to see them keep this torrid pace up for the second half of the Major League Soccer season. Other teams in MLS should take notice that even when the best players from the best team in MLS are on the bench, the reserves can still take it to a storied team like Celtic. The impressive form of D.C.'s second and third stringers was not lost on the Scottish media.

Mark Wilson of The Herald in Scotland writes of the elite team of MLS:

Even without [Jaime Morano] there was plenty to make the visitors wary. One defeat in 18 matches and a 17-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference are statistics that deserve respect, whatever doubts can still be cast against the overall quality of Stateside football.

He brings up a good question. Can doubts still be cast on American soccer? Or rather, how big are these doubts after another impressive United performance against a highly-respected foreign foe?

Obviously the MLS is light years behind the top leagues in Europe, but the league is definitely headed in the right direction. D.C. didn't just defeat Celtic, that wouldn't be big news considering the Bhoys are on the beginning of a pre-season tour and playing without key starters of their own. What is news is that the Black-and-Red whooped them up and down the pitch for 90 minutes. John Harkes said it best during the Post Game presentation, American clubs are no longer in awe of European clubs, including powerhouses like Celtic.

Anyway, Freddy Adu looked fantastic and surely raised some eyebrows. He'll definitely bolt for a top-tier EPL team in the near furture, if not next season. Luckily for D.C. United, the performance last night from reserves shows that they'll be able to keep pace without him.

D.C. is back on Saturday as they return to MLS action to take on the Columbus Crew at RFK.

D.C. United vs. Celtic FC

Tonight D.C. United will take on Celtic FC in a friendly at RFK Stadium. The match pits two perennial league champions against each other for the first time. D.C. United have won 4 league championships in the ten year existance of Major League Soccer (1996, 97, 99, 2004) and two Supporter's Shields in 1997 and 1999. Celtic have won 40 championships in the Scottish Premier League, with the earliest being in 1896 and the most recent in 2006.

Celtic is the team of choice for Catholics in Scotland, with their arch-rivals Rangers FC representing the Protestant community. This sectarian split has caused Celtic to be the most popular team in Ireland, which I learned first hand when I studied abroad there. The majority of Irish football fans consider Celtic to be their World Class club football team. The Bhoys will also play Chivas de Guadalajara and New England Revolution while touring the United States in preparation for the start of the SPL.

The 2006 D.C. United are off to one of the best starts in MLS history. They have a record of 12-1-5 and are 17 points ahead of the second place team in the East. The Black-and-Red have the most wins, fewest losses, most goals and fewest goals against, as they've completely dominated MLS competition. Hopefully, a top-flight European opponent will test how good D.C. United can be and prepare them for the second half of the season.

Padres Pack Nats' Pickles

Earlier tonight the Washington Nationals officially had their pickles packed by the San Diego Padres, losing 5 - 2. The lone bright spot for the Nats was Alfonso Soriano's first-inning home run, his 27th of the season. The Nats have lost two in a row and have now guaranteed a last place position for the All-Star Break.

According to ESPN.com, one of the spectators for the event was President George W. Bush, most likely celebrating either his 60th birthday or the impending war with North Korea. I didn't get a chance to spot the Commander in Chief, but I was closer to him than I've every been before. W, or 'Dubs', was probably enthralled by the Presidential Race, which saw Abraham Lincoln cheat to win by chucking the orange traffic cone at Teddy Roosevelt. "Honest Abe" is now 3 - 0 at games I've attended this year, reppin' the burgandy seats well.

View from section 470, row 4 seat 11.

In more postive D.C. sporting news, D.C. United defeated the Columbus Crew to further their unbeaten streak to 12 games. Alecko Eskandarian scored the only goal of the game as D.C. won 1 - 0. They are now an unreal 17 points ahead of the second best team in the East. I seriously need to get to some of their games this season, as they've been straight killing every team in sight. It looks like I'll get my first shot this Wednesday when the Black-and-Red take on Celtic FC in a friendly at RFK.