Photo by ISIphotos.com
Trailing by a goal with fewer than 30 minutes left in the match, D.C. United looked like it might wind up seeing its playoff hopes dashed on the RFK Stadium turf. That was before Francis Doe saved the day.
Yes, you read that right. Francis Doe.
No, really.
The Liberian striker who entered Thursday night's match without a goal all season scored not just one, but two goals to help give D.C. United a sorely-needed 2-1 victory on Thursday night.
The win catapulted D.C. United ahead of both Kansas City and the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings with one match remaining at the Columbus Crew a week from Sunday.
Now the heat is on the Wizards and Red Bulls (and Colorado and FC Dallas) to post wins this weekend. KC places host to reeling San Jose while the Red Bulls must try and overcome Supplement-Gate to beat a red-hot Columbus Crew squad.
D.C. showed the attacking qualities that made them so dangerous in June, with Doe, Santino Quaranta and Luciano Emilio coming close in the first half, before Jaime Moreno and Fred came on in the second half and helped give D.C. the boost it needed.
The loss means New England could fall to third place in the East if Chicago beats or ties Toronto FC on Saturday. The Revs and Fire will meet in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, with only the seeds yet to be determined.
D.C.'s playoff fortunes are still up in the air. If D.C. does qualify, it will face either Houston or Columbus in the first round.
First thing's first. D.C. United has now put itself in great position to qualify after tonight's gutsy victory.
What did you think of D.C. United's win? Think D.C. can turn things around late in the year? Think New England will fall apart without Steve Ralston?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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