Boring Scoreless Draw Beats the Spoon

DC United rode another excellent defensive performance to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta last night (March 21).

DC started its usual lineup:

Johnson in goal

Kurokawa, Rowles, Bartlett, Hefti in defense

Peglow, Peltola, Servania, Hopkins in midfield

Pirani, Baribo at forward

Subs: Clark for Peglow (67th minute), Gavin Turner for Hopkins (78th minute), Kijima for Pirani (78th minute), Nealis for Servania (89th minute)

A pattern is beginning to emerge after 5 games. DC had the worst record in the entire league last year, and while there have been some improvements in personnel, it is not a top team by any means. Coach Rene Weiler has focused on building a solid defense, with all players contributing. The defensive four in particular has looked very solid, and Johnson has been excellent. This allows DC to stay in games (especially on the road) by not conceding and looking for the occasional counterattack option. It almost got a scoreless draw in Austin 3 weeks ago, except for a late defensive lapse. It got an unlikely win last week in Chicago (only a handball penalty given up). And it got a draw last night in Atlanta.

DC gave Atlanta most of the possession (71%) but they did not create much with it. DC had a couple of chances late; Clark hit the right post in the 83rd minute, and Servania hit the crossbar in the 87th. Atlanta had one golden opportunity in the second half but fluffed the shot.

So after 5 games, DC is 2-1-2, 4 goals scored, 4 goals given up, in a 3-way tie for 5th in the Eastern Conference. There is so much room for improvement; poor Baribo gets very little service, and the midfield is almost nonexistent in terms of generating offense. Hopefully a third DP (in midfield, please!!!) will be coming in the summer (and it wouldn't hurt if Munteanu, our second DP, could play and produce). But the defense-first style gives DC a chance to stay in the playoff picture and hopefully improve as the season goes on, dull as it may be.

DC is off for the international break next weekend, but returns home to Audi Field on Saturday, April 4, hosting Dallas at 730pm.