DC descended down from the heights of last week’s Chicago win to post a 0-0 draw with San Jose at home Saturday night (September 9). One point is better than 0, but 3 points would have been very helpful in the playoff push.
DC had a few chances. Ted Ku (who had another good game) just missed a cross from Ruan in the 15th minute. Pirani scored in early in the second half but unfortunately it was ruled offside. Klich forced a great save out of San Jose’s keeper Daniel in the 70th minute, Benteke hit the crossbar in the 75th minute, and a shot in the 94th minute from Hines-Ike was cleared off the line by a defender. Ruan also missed an open net in the 97th minute.
San Jose also had some chances, but some poor finishing and another good game from Bono kept them off the board.
DC benefitted from a red card on San Jose’s Tanner Beason in the 90th minute for tripping up Ted Ku on a goal-scoring opportunity. I was surprised as there was another San Jose defender level with Ted and may have been able to come over and offer some resistance. DC tried their best, besieging the goal over 9 minutes of stoppage time, but unfortunately nothing went in.
Donovan Pines remained on the bench, despite the loss of Eric Davis and Andy Najar to international duty. I wonder if there’s a hidden story there.
DC remains in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Division, 2 points ahead of Chicago. However, the playoff picture has become more complicated with Miami rushing up. Miami won this weekend without Messi. (It’s easy to overlook that Messi wasn’t the only improvement Miami brought in; two other outstanding players were also added.) Miami has two games in hand on DC and is only 6 points behind them. Realistically, DC probably needs to overtake Montreal (currently in 8th place) to claim a playoff berth, while holding off the teams right behind them (Chicago and Charlotte). This Saturday’s game in Charlotte becomes very, very important.
Final note: it was “Rooney Night” at Audi, with bobbleheads distributed. However, according to Rooney, he went to DC’s front office two months ago to discuss contracts for next year and has heard nothing back. Do they want him back? Please comment if you have opinions.