http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/DC-United-c38901 lose play-offs hope after 1-1 draw with Portland Timbers – MLS News
DC United were denied a berth in the 2011 play-offs after a 1-1 draw with Portland Timbers in a Major League Soccer fixture at their home ground, RFK Stadium, on Wednesday, October 19.
A draw or a loss would have meant watching the postseason from outside for DCU. And the Timbers made sure of it.
The Timbers still have a chance to make it to the play-offs in their maiden MLS season. As things stand, it is a matter of one point for New York Red Bulls to cement their place in the last play-offs spot. Therefore, the Oregon-based team has to win the
next game at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake.
Kenny Cooper scored his 8th goal of the season in the 24th minute, and the Timbers kept the lead intact until 73rd minute. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dwayne-De-Rosario-c11765 instilled hope in DCU ranks with a 74th minute equalizer, however, the
Timbers’ stalwarts put a strong defensive shift until the final whistle.
Though Blake Brettschneider headed home a ball for the Black and Red in the 88th minute, the attempt was ruled out as offside.
Despite the draw, and loss of the postseason, the United were content with their play in the match. “I still don’t know how we didn’t get the goal, but I’m proud of how we worked and it’s fair to say we left it all on the field tonight,” midfielder Perry
Kitchen said.
The United boss, Ben Olsen, apologized to the fans for losing out on the postseason, but assured that the team will improve next year.
“I’m extremely disappointed that we haven’t made playoffs. Again, I apologize to the fans and the organization,” he said. “A lot of this I’ll take the blame for because we were a good enough team to make the playoffs. I can promise you I’ll get better as
a coach and this team will get better.”
Although the quest for silverware is over for the United, they are left with one last game in the season. The team is scheduled to play Sporting Kansas City at RFK Stadium on October 22.
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