Match 11.19 Preview: Columbus Crew

Match #: 11.19

Opponent: Columbus Crew, Final MLS Matchup

Records:
DC United, 12-1-5, 41 pts, 1st in East Conference , 1st in MLS
Columbus Crew, 4-7-6, 18 pts, 5th in East Conference, 9th in MLS (tie - Los Angeles)

TV: 7/15/06, Comcast SportsNet, 7:30PM

Previous Meeting: Columbus Crew 0 : 1 DC United (DCenters Debriefing)

Suggested Pregame Music: Bastille Day - Rush (Okay, that makes more sense today, but hey...)

The Stakes: DC United, despite the triumph over the Celtic B Preseason Squad, is still looking to reestablish some form in MLS. Listen over at the SE Podcast to the press conferences, and you can tell Piotr Nowak is concerned about the heat and how DCU will hold up under it. A goal a game may get us through the next few games, but won't bode well for the rest of the season. And I want the historic season. So this game represents a chance to right things at home before heading back out on the road for a bit.

Coach Sigi Schmid has called out the Crew ahead of Saturday's game. What is it with Columbus officials going public ahead of games against us? Of course, it hasn't mattered yet this year, but you have to wonder about the timing.

Now, just one more thing. When a DC United blog starts talking about a historic season, well, I'm obviously biased. But check out the Kyle McCarthy at US Soccer Players who is beginning to raise the same ideas... Hmm... Of course, many more wins are needed, but the thought is out there.

Previews from the DCUniverse: Quarter Volley, DC Sun Devil, Poplar Point Perspective

Expected Yield: 2.5 points. Yes, the risk of overconfidence exists for this game, and there may be some emotional valley after the high of Wednesday night. Still, Piotr knows that just as much as I do, and I expect a workmanlike, if not fantastic, win on the pitch.

D's Location: RFK, Regular Seats

Last Words: Mike Edmonds and Larry Ward