D.C. United falls to Real Salt Lake, putting MLS playoff hopes in jeopardy

By Steven Goff of the Washington Post

SANDY, Utah — D.C. United played with passion and conviction Saturday night, a refreshing renewal after several limp performances on the road. But consistent with the club’s travel shortcomings this summer, United conceded a goal shortly after halftime and dropped a 1-0 decision to Real Salt Lake in front of 20,334 at Rio Tinto Stadium.

“We talked about having to change our mentality on the road and the way we go about things to have success,” Coach Ben Olsen said. “We did a lot of that, and it showed. The guys gave a hell of an effort. It’s just disappointing the final stuff wasn’t there. If we play that way on the road, we will start picking up points on the road.”

After an 84-minute lightning delay interrupted the first half, United (12-10-5, 41 points) lost its sixth straight away match and fell into a fifth-place tie with the Chicago Fire (two fewer game played) in MLS’s Eastern Conference. The Columbus Crew (12-8-6, 42) overtook both D.C. and Chicago with a last-minute victory over Montreal on Saturday.

Five clubs will advance to the playoffs in late October, and what seemed six weeks ago like a sure postseason berth for United is now in jeopardy. D.C. is 2-5-2 in its past nine league outings.

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By Steven Goff of the Washington Post:

D.C. United plans to offer a contract extension to Dwayne De Rosario, a mid-season acquisition whose dynamic performances thrust him into serious contention for the MLS most valuable player award.

Draw Eliminates United From Playoff Contention

By Samuel Chamberlain of SB Nation

Dwayne De Rosario scored his 13th goal for D.C. United late in the second half, but it wasn't enough as D.C. United failed to make the postseason for a fourth straight year, managing only a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers.