Playoff Chances Dim

DC was unable to overcome another significant absence (Sean Johnson was out with a "lower leg blow") and despite good effort fell in Cincinnati last night, 2-1.

DC's lineup:

Bono in goal (replacing Johnson)

Kurokawa, Rowles, Bartlett, Hefti in defense

Peglow, Servania, Dozzell, Nono in midfield

Hopkins, Baribo at forward.

Subs: Ordaz for Hopkins (67th), Avilez for Hefti (79th), Peltola for Servania (79th), Nealis for Rowles (90th)

Cincinnati opened the scoring in the 14th minute when a fortunate (for them) deflection went off Rowles straight to David Doudera, who finished near post. Bono made an excellent save a few minutes later to keep the score at 1-0. DC pressed forward trying to equalize and achieved good pressure. Nono had a ball headed off the line by Nick Hagglund, then scored on a long pass being apparently barely onside; I thought it would be called back. It was tied at the half, with pretty even possession and shot statistics.

The lack of Johnson showed in the 55th minute, as on a curling free kick Bono did not come out and Teenage Hadebe scored from right in front of the far post. It looked like the defenders were hesitating waiting for Bono, but he was rooted to the goal line. That's what lack of playing time will do. DC pressed for an equalizer but was unable to create anything really dangerous and Cincinnati held on for the win. Neither team looked particularly sharp. .

The result leaves DC in a must-win situation (practically if not mathematically) for the Saturday (October 24) rematch between the two teams at 730pm at Audi Field. This was the 4th of 7 games in 22 days that DC is playing.