After a 15-day break from League play - a time during which two Champions League games were played - United returns to domestic action this afternoon with its 27th MLS match versus the visiting San Jose Earthquakes. Though results from six League games last night largely went United's way, the team finds itself a single point out of playoffs heading into today's a game. A win today, though, would vault the squad ahead of three teams and into the second wild card spot. A draw would bring D.C. even with New England, who still has a game in hand, for the final wild card spot.
Summary: the playoff standings are really tight and every result matters.
United will again be without defender Bryan Namoff today, who is still recovering from a concussion. Marc Burch (ankle surgery), however, is listed as probable and may see some minutes.
San Jose is one of only two teams who have not won on the road in 2009, managing a record of just 0-8-3 (9 goals for, 23 goals against) away from home. The team is also without arguably its best player in Darren Huckerby who had season-ending hip surgery in recent weeks.
Today's game will be broadcast nationally on Telefutura and locally on The Comcast Network (find TCN here). Kickoff is at 3pm.
Read (and watch!) everything below to be sure you're prepared:
- United's Emilio May Be Rebounding Just in Time - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- United set for playoff push - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United's Emilio feeling the heat to regain MVP form - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United aim to continue winning ways Sunday - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Earthquakes at D.C. United facts - by Elliott Elmond (San Jose Mercury News)
- Video: Ben Olsen previews San Jose (dcunited.com)
- Video: Dejan Jakovic previews San Jose (dcunited.com)
We'll take your score predictions in the comments section below. Anyone that guesses correctly will win two tickets one of the remaining home games (your choice!).
