Give it away now

Last night was DC United’s chance to shine. English champions Chelsea came calling to The Fed (FedEx Field) to take on American champions United in a nationally televised contest. Chelsea came out and looked the better team – let’s be honest, they ARE the better team – and United were holding them off. In the 31st minute, magic: Christian Gomez’s corner kick finds the head of rookie Bobby Boswell who puts the biscuit in the basket – 1-0 United! I was stunned. Could it be? Our boys leading one of the best in the world? I didn’t get to think that for long as Irish international Damien Duff brought Chelsea level on one of the prettier goals I’ve seen in a while in the 35th minute, 1-1. 10 minutes later, halftime.

In the 2nd half Freddy Adu came on and brought quickness to the United front line, but it was the defense who let us down. Fullback Brandon Prideaux gave the ball away near midfield and left the other 2 backs to face the onrushing Chelsea attack. Dutch international Arjen Robben found Argentine Hernan Crespo who beat goalkeeper Troy Perkins to put Chelsea up 2-1. No more goals would be scored and Chelsea took the W. Would it have remained 1-1 if Prideaux doesn’t give that ball away? Maybe. I’ll never know. I do know that for a brief time our boys were on top of historic Chelsea Football Club. 2-1 is a loss on the scoreboard, but with United’s performance, it feels like a win for American soccer.