and I thought we worked very hard the first 45 minutes -- and you have a letdown and they get a goal, it seems like it sucks the air right out of you," said a depressed Quaranta. "We did the right amount of work but I think we take plays off and we're just not good enough. I don't know. I don't know."
The Fire further asserted themselves in the second half and were duly rewarded with Cuauhtemoc Blanco's remarkable long-distance finish in the 62nd minute. The visitors were then content to sit back and guard their lead, but just like the first 45 minutes, D.C. failed to convert their long stretches of passing and possession into meaningful forays on Jon Busch's goal.
"We've got to find a way to win," said United left winger Marc Burch. "I don't think you can fault us for our effort tonight. But we didn't create any real scoring opportunities, you know? We didn't challenge their [goalkeeper], and we got scored on again. We can't win if we don't score, but we can't win if we're giving up two goals, either, every single game."
With their next match a road date with Chivas USA next Saturday, United don't take the field for nine days, leaving Soehn and his charges to stew over their shortcomings for another lengthy stretch. Given the strength of their conference, last-place D.C. will likely have to watch several of their Eastern rivals move further away from them in the points race as well.
"I asked the guys to come out with the effort and I thought that improved a bit, but still, over 90 minutes it still wasn't good enough," said Soehn. "We broke down and good teams are going to punish you. So it's very concerning. We've got to really evaluate and make sure now that we turn this around. It's getting to a crucial time."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
