Major League Soccer's hottest teams will collide at RFK Stadium on Saturday, as D.C. United and FC Dallas, leaders of their respective conferences with unbeaten records, meet for the first time in 2006. Even as they play down the significance of their success so far, the home side is prepared for their sternest challenge of the young season.
"It's still early, and being in first place right now isn't the biggest deal in the world," said United midfielder Ben Olsen. "But it is the two first-place teams. We know they've had some early success and they're a good team, as good as they come right now -- and I think they know we're as good as it comes right now."
The Black-and-Red have every reason to enter the showdown with a swagger, having demolished their main rivals in the New York Red Bulls by a 4-1 scoreline last week, highlighted by an Alecko Eskandarian double that drew nationwide attention on account of the tongue-in-cheek celebration that followed his first goal.
With a swig and a spit, the University of Virginia product graphically displayed his distaste for the Red Bulls' namesake product, earning plaudits from United's fans -- and a $250 fine from the league.
"It's fine," said a bemused Eskandarian. "I was a little bit disappointed, because the celebration was just for humor, there was no symbolism or anything like that. I'm a little bit upset that a lot of people blew it out of proportion, but then again, everyone that knows me thought it was funny and shared a laugh.
"With that said, I think the league is just trying to set an example for other people not to get out of hand. So I'll take the fine and go on with my business ... apparently our fans wanted to pitch in, but I'd rather just pay it and get it over with."
Financial penalties notwithstanding, everyone involved with the Red Bull stunt had a productive afternoon, as Jamil Walker -- who tossed Eskandarian the can in question -- came off the bench to score his first goal of the year in the 88th minute.
"Actually, I felt bad for him too, because he's been linked as a co-conspirator," said Eskandarian of Walker. "I think it's all pretty funny, I can't believe how much attention it's gotten. I never thought it would blow up the way it did."
This week, United's top challenge will be making sure Hoops hitman Carlos Ruiz doesn't get the chance to stage an elaborate goalscoring celebration of his own. The Guatemalan star has provided some of the biggest fireworks of his career against the four-time MLS Cup champs, including a spectacular match-winning bicycle kick last year that was chosen as the MLS "Goal of the Decade."
"He plays very well against us every time, and he's a handful," said Olsen. "He's one of the best forwards this league has ever seen, and he's going to do what he does. We need to not give him chances, and be aware, because he's a guy who can hang out for 30 minutes or 80 minutes, and then all of a sudden he gets that one chance and you're down 1-0. We need to focus on him the entire game."
Still adjusting to their rejiggered tactical scheme, United's defense has improved with each passing week, but Ruiz's infamous poaching abilities, combined with the pace of power of fellow strikers Roberto Mina and Kenny Cooper, will present a diverse array of threats.
"We haven't played against many potent attacks so far this year, so it should be a good test for us," said Olsen. "We've tried numerous formations here, in the preseason and early in the season. Some have been good and some haven't been so great. So we just need to sort out what's best for us, and I think we're close to doing that."
Dating back to their previous incarnation as the Burn, FC Dallas has held their own at imposing RFK, earning four wins and a draw over 11 meetings with United. Add in two talented teams brimming with confidence, and the stage is set for a compelling confrontation.
"It's going to be a tough test for us," said Eskandarian, "but we're definitely up for every challenge."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
