Watch Out: Panic Time Approaching for United

THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT 1-0 LOSS in Toronto was D.C. United's seventh setback of the season. That's as many league defeats as it suffered all last year, and it's only May.

There is no more waiting for new players to gel and no more counting on a forgiving MLS format that sends eight of 14 teams to the postseason. D.C. (2-7-0) has lost four straight (scoring one goal), is ensconced in the Eastern cellar and is a long way from playoff consideration. It's nearing panic time on East Capitol Street.

"It seems as if it's going to be one of those years we're going to have to fight against everything," captain Jaime Moreno told reporters on Wednesday.

The fight to save the season, and perhaps coach Tom Soehn's job, continues Saturday night in a must-win return engagement against Toronto (4-2-2) at RFK. The ensuing schedule, which features games at New England and Chicago (D.C. hasn't won on the road in nearly nine months) and a home date with two-time defending champ Houston, makes Saturday's result all the more crucial.

"They'll roll up their sleeves and go to work. We'll do it at home," Soehn promised.

United did defeat Toronto, 4-1, at RFK in early April, but that result is looking more like a fluke as time passes. Although the effort Wednesday was better than in previous outings, D.C. still resembles a team playing together for the first time. Soehn was able to field his strongest available lineup in Canada and the side still was unable to produce a goal. Each game seems to reveal a different shortcoming, while Moreno, Luciano Emilio and Marcelo Gallardo continue to struggle to produce consistently.

Goalkeeper Zach Wells opted to focus on the club's improving effort. Right now, there is little else to feel good about.

"It's tough times, but I think with everyone healthy we're starting to gain a little more momentum; at least we're putting pressure on teams and playing a little better. The goals and the wins will come."

Written by Express contributor Brian Straus
Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post