Ahead of tonight's knocout game between fourth place New York Red Bulls and fifth place Sporting Kansas City, here’s what we don’t know: our opponent for the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Here’s what we do know: we have a veteran, playoff-tested team.
Of the four other playoff teams in the Eastern Conference (New England Revolution, Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City) no team has more combined playoff minutes, games played or goals than D.C. United. The only team that has more combined MLS Cup Finals appearances is Sporting Kansas City, with a heavy majority of those earned last season.
What do Bobby Boswell, Sean Franklin, Davy Arnaud, Fabián Espíndola, Chris Rolfe,Eddie Johnson and Jeff Parke all have in common? They have each played in more than 10 playoff games in their careers.
Not only does this side have vast knowledge of how to get to the playoffs, it also knows how to win once they get there.
Boswell, Franklin, Arnaud and Espindola have all been to at least one MLS Cup Final; Espindola has won the ultimate prize once with Real Salt Lake and Franklin has two MLS Cups to his name while with the LA Galaxy.
But, let’s not forget about some of the other key names who have helped us earn the top spot in the East. Nick DeLeon didn't play like a rookie in his first MLS PLayoff experience. The midfielder tallied twice, once in a 1-0 win over possible opponent New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Though equipped with less playoff experience, there are no doubts about Perry Kitchen, Chris Pontius, Chris Korb, Lewis Neal and Bill Hamid's ability to get it done in the post-season.
The moral of the story: Get excited.
Whether we are in Kansas City or New York this Sunday, this is what we have all been waiting for all year. #WeWantFive
Regardless of the opponent, United is home next Saturday, Novemeber 8th at 4:00 p.m.. Tickets are going fast, so buy yours now.
