Another Loss. Another Spoon?

MLS's Wooden Spoon, awarded each year to the team with the worst regular season record

DC United stretched its MLS losing streak to 5 (and its winless streak to 9) last night (August 9), losing in New England 2-0. The team is in danger of gaining its third Wooden Spoon (given to the MLS team with the worst record), with the league's worst goal differential (-29) and the second lowest total of points (19). Only the LA Galaxy have fewer points (16) and they have played two fewer games.

DC started

Joon-Hong in goal (I still think it should be Kim, as the fellow South Korean Spurs/LAFC star's name is Son)

Schnegg, Rowles, Bartlett, Herrera in defense

Leal, Enow, Hopkins, Kijima in midfield

Pirani, Benteke at forward

Subs: Stroud for Leal (61st), Peltola for Pirani (75th), Servania for Enow (75th), Murrell for Kijima (81st), Badji for Hopkins (81st)

It was a lackluster first half for both teams. DC got one shot on goal from Kijima. When a player broke forward, no one was making supporting runs. It was scoreless at halftime. DC had 3 shots total (1 on goal) and New England had 4 shots total (none on goal).

New England broke through in the 62nd minute as Carles Gil crossed to Leonardo Campana for a header that Joon-Hong could not get to. DC had two chances to equalize shortly thereafter, but Pirani and Stroud missed good chances. Gil had a nice shot from the top of the box through traffic to make it 2-0 in the 70th minute. That's how it ended.

DC was coached again by interim manager Kevin Flanagan, as new coach Rene Weiler's work visa continues to be held up. Interesting how Son for LAFC and Rodrigo De Paul for Miami have come right into action while Weiler continues to languish. No possible transfer reinforcements have been mentioned either. It doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

Next stop: in Montreal, Saturday July 16 at 730pm. This is a six-point "spoon game", as Montreal is tied with DC at the bottom of the Eastern Conference (Montreal is ahead on goal difference, -20 to -29).