make a sort of "worst-to-first" march toward an MLS title. (The Wizards didn't own the worst record in 2006, but did fail to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.)
But history says Curt Onalfo's side will have to sort out some defensive issues if the Wizards are going to make a run at that title.
Kansas City's 1.57 goals against average is better this year than only two MLS clubs (Los Angeles and Toronto). And it's significantly worse than any MLS Cup winner since D.C. United prevailed in 1997 with a 1.66 goals against average.
Since then, Los Angeles' 1.41 goals conceded per match has been the highest by a title winner. More typical was last year's 1.25 by Houston. In fact, San Jose (2003 and 2001), Los Angeles (2002) and Kansas City (2000) were all beneath 1.18 in goals against average.
Super sideline: Talk about some power coming off the bench. Saturday at Pizza Hut Park fans could see Brazilian World Cup winner Denilson, young Colombian workhorse Juan Toja and prolific goal scorer Luciano Emilio enter the FC Dallas-D.C. United match as subs.
Denilson received his work visa on Thursday, a bit earlier than happy club officials expected. His fitness remains an issue, however, which decreases the likelihood that he would start. The league's fifth designated player signing has trained with the team since Monday. Previously, he was training with Palmeiras. He even participated in a few reserve games over the last two months with the Brazilian club, the most recent on Aug. 20, a few days before he flew to Dallas.
Toja hasn't played in three weeks, still recovering from a severe ankle sprain. He has come through workouts fairly well this week, club officials say. But with a U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Tuesday, they are sure to be cautious.
Emilio is dealing with a hamstring injury and was limited in United practices this week. He has extra incentive to get back on the field. Emilio still leads the league in scoring with 14 goals, but Eddie Johnson's strike on Wednesday drew him alongside Juan Pablo Angel just one goal behind United's first-year forward.
Steve Davis is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
