First Impressions - NYRB 0 : 1 DC UNITED

HOPE, NOT FEAR

This series isn't over. Not the way the Red Bulls played, with chances to pull even in the final ten minites. But I'll take this win over a 4-nil win in the long run. It says that DCU still needs to focus, still needs to work to close it out. That's a message I like to see reinforced. But this game also harkens back to the old days, and by the old days I mean June, when DC had a series of 1-nil victories. Those games were tough, hard fought, and DC would manufacture a goal and benefit from a few breaks. That hasn't happened in a long time, so I find it encouraging. It's not a basis for trash talk, but it is a basis to believe that if DC can get by New York, they will have earned some momentum into a Eastern Conference final matchup. A pass out of this series won't be handed to them. That good be a very good thing.

Also, reader Kenn Tomasch, owner of the brilliant kenn.com website (and so much more, even if he is a bit...um, fiery in a Chicago sort of way), passed on this link to the New York Post. Carlos Delgado says "Maybe I should leave New York. Based on my clothing choice, maybe I have a destination in mind." (Note that it's the 2002-2004 series... Nice. That's not a fair weather fan.)