Toluca 1, United 1

Hey there, play that determined on Saturday in Kansas City, United might make it to first round of MLS playoffs (other game results pending) to lose to Columbus after all .

Here's the obligatory paragraph in which I mention Toluca had nothing to play for, rested many of their regulars, hit crossbars and rocketed shots just over the crossbar, credit Steve Cronin with remarkable saves, and say, Toluca could have - should have - won easily 4-1.

But... United fought. Pontius' wonder goal gave them hope and energy early. We'll never know how United would have reacted had Toluca scored ten minutes in, and I expected Toluca to score ten minutes in.... but, United fought. I'll grasp at that.

And TEN points in CONCACAF is about six points more than I would have guessed United would accrue when the competition started. If United earned 1.66 PPG in MLS, they'd be sitting on 47 going into Kansas City and still have a chance for Supporter's Shield.

And this is what sucks about United's MLS season (and gacking the US Cup Final v Seattle): rather than a meaningful game in October in Mexico next year, rather than a meaningful game against a Mexican team at RFK next October - we're going to get, as our extra season ticket package, meaningless exhibition games v Everton next July.

Here's Goff's player ratings:

Cronin 7; Vaughn 5, James 7, McTavish 6, John 7; Fred 5, DiRaimondo 6, Szetela 6.5, Khumalo 5; Pontius 8, Emilio 5. Subs: Wallace 6, Gomez 5, Jakovic 6.

OK, my Boyzz crush is crushed. If he was 18 and a fool who won't defend, he might evolve and develop, but he's 28, and there's a reason he was a Riverhound when he was 26. As a 70th minute sub to run at a tired defense he's useful, but if he was half as good as he thinks he is his antics would still be annoying.

Speaking of evolving and developing, has anyone suggested to Rodney Wallace that well taken shots on the ground against a flailing keeper have a better chance of scoring than punting pointblank shots over the crossbar?

Julius James is useful, more so than Lawson Vaughn or Avery James or Devon McTavish.

Here's Fullback, who's tired of Tommy's 70s prOnstar silk shirts, bitches at Boyzz. Shatz praises McTavish, James, FRED!, bitches at Boyzz. Curmudgeon commends the team's spirit.

UPDATE!

I honestly don't know if this is significant:

Will Chang now controls 100 percent of D.C. United after purchasing the very small remaining share held by a group led by Brian Davis and Christian Laettner , former Duke basketball players who are involved in real estate development these days. The company name (MacFarlane-Chang, LLC) still includes former partner Victor MacFarlane, but that will change at some point.

And Benny does an online chat:

Ben, when you beamed that guy in the head were you surprised by how accurate your shot was? Do you plan on have any surgeries in the off-season?

I was a little surprised. It was the most accurate shot I’ve had all year. No surgery plans as of now.

Is coaching something you see in your future? Do you have any coaching licenses? Do you think it's stupid that a professional soccer player should need a coaching license?

Yes, yes and… yes...

Thanks for being the heart and soul of the team ... we, the fans, love your grit! Even though the '09 season hasn't wrapped up yet, have you given any thoughts to your plans for '10?

I’m looking forward to being on the pitch next year.

would u think united moving to baltimore would add to the fan base or diminish it? thanks lionheart!

I want D.C. United to stay in DC.

Favorite United player ever.