D.C. United moved within
one result
of the Playoffs with three points at home on Saturday afternoon
against the Philadelphia Union
, extending its lead at the top of the Eastern Conference six points with four games remaining.
Luis Silva’s 10th-minute goal
proved to be the difference as the Black-and-Red look ahead to hosting Sporting Kansas City, who suffered a 3-2 loss to New England that dropped them into a tie with the Revolution for second place.
“Overall we did a good job grinding it out,” said Assistant Coach Chad Ashton. “We could have been a little more free-flowing, but overall, we felt comfortable.”
Head Coach Ben Olsen agreed, adding that finding a bit more of a balance between preserving the lead and pushing for that second goal would have been beneficial.
“At times, I think we can manage the game a little bit better,” Olsen said. “It's a good and bad thing at times because we have guys that are just so hungry to go and score goals, and they have the ability to do it.”
This win was United’s first MLS home game since a
2-0 win over New York Red Bulls on Aug
ust 31, but it was also the team’s 11th match in 42 days, a stretch that included games in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, Chicago, and Kingston, Jamaica. D.C. walked away with an impressive 7-2-2 record.
- Related: D.C. United's remaining schedule
“I can’t say enough about the group in general, how they’ve handled the last two months,” Olsen said. “They’re tired. It’s been a long haul here. It was a hot day, fittingly hot after all that we’ve been through the last two months.”
As United looks ahead, each game has an increasing postseason feel. Philadelphia was right at the playoff line, and Kansas City is eager to regain momentum, having won only one of its last six matches.
“Down the stretch here, every game is magnified in terms of its importance,” Ashton said. “The games are a little tighter; they don’t take as many chances, and that’s exactly what playoff soccer is. Our group has a good awareness of figuring out what the game needs.”
D.C. United’s goal of making the playoffs was set in preseason, and that will be on every player’s mind after two much-needed days off following the shutout win over the Union.
“We take these couple days and take a breather,” Ashton said. “They need a couple days away from the soccer to be able to exhale, then come back and prepare a strategy to beat Kansas City.”
Untied hosts the reigning MLS Cup champions this Friday, October 3 at 8 p.m. You’re not going to want to miss this Eastern Conference showdown!
Buy your tickets here
.
