Fire Visit DC United Seeking First Victory

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Saturday, Apr. 17,2010
9:27 A.M.

By Tom Cooper
Special to CSNChicago.com

There's a lot of head scratching going on among MLS fans in Chicago and DC so far this season. Both clubs entered the season in retooling-mode but it might start looking like a rebuilding mode if things don't change soon. Through three matches, the Fire have only a point to show for their efforts while DC United are still looking for their first result. It might be too early, but this match between the bottom two sides on the Eastern Conference table could go a long way in deciding the direction of this season for both clubs.

Saturday's match could be decided on the wing. Patrick Nyarko made the Earthquake defenders shake (Ha! Get it?) running down the right last Saturday at Toyota Park. With DC United missing key players to injury as well as the suspension of defender Dejan Jakovic for his red card last week in Philadelphia, Nyarko could cause havoc on the side and help set up Brian McBride and Collins John in the box. Plus, DC United have the worst defense in the league so far this season (nine goals allowed in three games). This could be the opportunity the Fire need.

Meanwhile, it's tough to say there is something positive in a 3-2 loss against an expansion team, but DC might have found it in the second half. Head coach Curt Onalfo moved Santino Quaranta from the center of the midfield out to the wing and replaced him with United-original Jaime Moreno. (Yes, he's still playing!) The move worked as the red and black attack improved and netted two goals. though the league said later that Moreno's goal shouldn't have stood- Ah, details!

This match is the best chance for both sides to pick up a much-needed win. And if the Fire can finally pick up three points in front of DC's Barra Brava, it could spark them to finally get this season rolling.

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