WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The D.C. United, who have played in every
MLS Cup and won three of the league's four championships, are
out of the playoff race.
The United suffered a 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes, who
got a second-half goal from Khodadad Azizi and barely remained
alive in the playoff chase.
D.C. United (6-16-6, 24 points) won the league's first two MLS
Cups and were stunned by the expansion Chicago Fire in 1998
before reclaiming the title last year.
However, they have struggled all year and were mathematically
eliminated tonight. At least eight other MLS teams will finish
the season with more than 36 points, the most the United can
accumulate.
San Jose rookie goalkeeper Jon Conway earned his first MLS
victory, turning away nine shots.
After a shaky performance by both squads in the first half, the
Earthquakes finally found the back of the net in the 53rd
minute. Defender Dan Calichman started the scoring run with a
one-touch pass to midfielder Ryan Tinsley at the right edge of
the United penalty area. Tinsley surprised the defense with a
well-timed heel pass that sent Azizi on goal.
With two defenders converging on him, the Iranian cut into the
box and squeezed a low six-yard shot between goalkeeper Tom
Presthus and the right post. The goal was Azizi's third of the
season and first game-winner.
Despite the win, San Jose (6-14-8, 26 points) is on the verge of
elimination. It must win all of its remaining matches and hope
Colorado, Miami and New England do not eclipse 38 points. The
Earthquakes have two games remaining against the powerful Los
Angeles Galaxy.