Washington, D.C. (My Sportsbook) - D.C. United started the season unbeaten in 11 straight home games, but following consecutive losses at RFK Stadium, face a must-win situation Saturday against Chivas USA.
D.C. (8-7-12) has slipped out of a playoff spot in MLS, and with three matches left in the season, can't afford to let any more points slip away if it hopes to reach the postseason.
"We put ourselves in a bad spot by slipping two home games. We've talked about this home stretch," D.C. coach Tom Soehn said, "but talking about it doesn't mean nothing if you don't finish through and get your points.
"We let ourselves down and we have to find a way out of it."
United is just one point out of eighth place and the final playoff spot - held by the New England Revolution. After last weekend's loss - San Jose's first on the road this season - Soehn described it as "thoroughly disappointing."
"I have to go back and evaluate whether I had the right blend of guys on the field," Soehn said after the loss.
D.C. has played well outside of MLS, winning another CONCACAF Champions League match, 5-1 over Trinidad & Tobago's San Juan Jabloteh on Wednesday. If United can carry that form into this weekend's match, it should get back on track.
Soehn does have concerns, though, with goalie Josh Wicks joining other crucial players, Bryan Namoff and Greg Janicki, who are ruled out this week.
"We have to deal with those things and stay focused for the next games, because we're still in it - we're still fighting for the playoffs and want to stay as focused as we can," said goalie Milos Kocic, who is replacing Wicks. "I'm ready, I'll step up for the team and try to do the best I can so we can fight for a spot in the playoffs."
Chivas USA (11-9-5) is sitting fourth in the West and sixth overall in MLS and is riding a three-game unbeaten streak. Chivas tied Red Bull New York 1-1 last week.
Chivas continues to have injury concerns but it hasn't slowed Preki's club too much this season. Despite a rocky season, the coach is just focused on getting into the playoffs, where anything is possible.
"First thing is to make the playoffs, that's the main objective. Obviously if we can climb the ladder we would all love that," Preki said.
"We are still in a good position, we still have three home games and two away games so anything's possible. For now, we have to regroup and refocus and go to D.C. where it's going to be really, a tough game."
