by TRAVIS CLARK
In a competition that is becoming somewhat of a nightmare for D.C. United, they couldn't get their 2009 CONCACAF Champions League campaign off to a good start. Two late goals from Jerry Palacios and Marios Berrios were the difference as United's poor road record continued this year. They've managed one win away from home all season — a 3-2 victory of New York back on April 26 — and last night proved to be no different.
United scrapped the 3-5-2 in favor of what appeared to be a 4-5-1 — new acquisitions David Habarugira and Julius James made up half of the back four. Habarugira, a Burundi international was on his debut for the club, while James was making just his second appearance after coming in as a substitute against Toronto.
The club didn't miss a beat with the new formation, and actually performed admirably for most of the first half — impressive considering how they played on Saturday. They knocked the ball around well, and were quick to stifle a potent Marathon attack.
It would take gaffe of epic proportions in the first half to open the scoring. A dangerous Marathon cross was met by defender Greg Janicki, but he whiffed his clearance attempt to allow the easiest goal Walter Martinez will ever score.
D.C. didn't let it drag down their confidence — Andrew Jacobson tested Marathon's keeper Juan Obelar from long range on more than one occasion, forcing a save or two. He showed a willingness to shoot that sometimes other players lacked. Heading into halftime down one goal was a bit of a drag when you consider the team had put in an improved effort.
The tenacious performance did lead to a bloody equalizer in the second half. Julius James knocked down a corner kick that Luciano Emilio headed in — though on his follow through his head slammed into a Marathon defender, resulting in a bloody gash that needed immediate treatment.
With the score equalized, a draw seemed within reach, a great start to the competition was possible if the result stayed the same. United came close to a go ahead goal when Devon McTavish forced a save from Obelar with a diving header. Then the last 10 minutes happened.
Jerry Palacios beat Janicki to a headed ball, finishing past Wicks to give Marathon the lead. An awful evening for the young central defender then worsened when he tripped a Marathon attacker in the box. Adding insult to injury, the first penalty was saved by Wicks — however, the Honduran side was given a reprieve when Clyde Simms was adjudged to have encroached in the box.
Mario Berrios left no doubt on the second attempt, smashing home to earn three points. It was a drastic turn events for a club that had a result in sight.
It wouldn't be surprising to see United switch to four at the back from here on out, as they've brought in a number of defenders in recent weeks. This would ideally shore up the defense and allow their midfielders to rest.
There's no time to think about this loss, however, as their shaky league record currently means United would not be in the playoffs if the season ended today. If there's any solace in the last 15 games of a busy season, 10 of their last 15 games are at home, where they are undefeated in league and Open Cup play.
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What did you think of United's performance against Marathon? Do they have a chance to get out of their group? Leave your thoughts below.
