Even if D.C. United brings its “A game” to RFK Stadium Thursday night when it plays the New England Revolution (ESPN 2, Live 7 pm ET), the Screaming Eagles would be forgiven for wondering if that even makes their side the favorite anymore. The Revs are a team in good form (2-1-1), while United is in just about the poorest form in its history, after losing its last two games to a pair of teams (Kansas City and Columbus) that didn’t even make the playoffs last season. As the Washington Post’s Steven Goff says, “not only has it dropped its first three games and joined expansion Toronto as the only clubs without a win or tie, United has looked listless in the process.”
United finished last season with the best offense and the third best defense in MLS. In its first month of the 2007 season, the team has just three goals in three games, conceding seven. Incredulously, this team for the most part is the same as last season’s. If anything, it’s supposed to be even better, thanks to the addition of the Brazilians Fred and Luciano Emilio. “Right now, it’s tough times here. We’re not used to this,” midfielder Ben Olsen said. “It’s going to be a real gut check to see how we respond.” Indeed, New England is hardly the cakewalk United needs to jumpstart its season, but either way, a win at home here is bordering on the necessary.