ChestRockwell

Sporting KC has owned DCU for 3+ seasons now, & they come to RFK Stadium as legit Cup contenders. However, some key absences and some questionable quality in transition have provided us with a glimmer of hope. Plus: Simpsons references!

FC Dallas has the best record in MLS; DCU has the worst. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen for the Black-and-Red, but an injury to David Ferreira and the classic "trap game" nature of this match could provide some tiny slivers of hope.

Houston has had DCU's number for years, but they're coming into this one after playing a game in LA that technically ended on Monday. Thanks to an assist from the MLS schedule, a patient & defensively sound United side could actually pull an upset.

Another first half full of calamitous defending doomed United in Columbus, as the Crew showed the ruthless finishing touch that has eluded the Black-and-Red this season.

DCU played exactly how Columbus would have liked us to at RFK. This time around, United needs to flip the script by taking advantage of some glaring flaws in the Crew's game and forcing them to play how we want.

¿Quién es mas macho? Being tough is nice, but D.C. United probably needs to focus on being better at soccer than getting dragged into yet another brawl against the Philadelphia Union.

NYRB totally outplayed DCU last month, but they've been erratic since then. With United in need of a strong performance, the inconsistent Red Bulls could be anything between the perfect slump-buster or a stern test for the Black-and-Red.

The initial reaction to Claudio Bieler's goal against DC United was that blame could be spread around equally among half of the guys on the field. A closer analysis reveals that, in the words of George Orwell, some were more equal than others.

D.C. United has been hit by a slew of injuries right before one of the toughest games of the season. We're asking B&RU readers to pick the best solution to a difficult problem.

KC has convincingly outplayed us time and again, we're in poor form, and both De Ro and DeLo are out injured. How on earth is DCU supposed to win this one? Read up to find out what Sporting's weaknesses are.

For the USMNT, "away vs. Mexico" is usually the hardest fixture in qualifying. They're strong, they're deep, & Estadio Azteca could be the toughest venue on Earth. Looking into how the US can break the curse & take a huge step towards Brazil 2014.

The Columbus Crew have started 2013 similarly to DCU, but that doesn't mean that they're a similar team. United needs a positive outing on the offensive end, & the Crew have some issues that may make them the right kind of team for addressing that.

NYRB had a typically Metro offseason, and the early returns have been disappointing. Here's how D.C. United can further the suffering of our hated rival.

MLS has a new game. It won't take much of your time. There are prizes. Short sentences.

Real Salt Lake has consistently been among the top teams in MLS for the past few years, but salary cap issues and injuries mean that RSL will look different (in more ways than one) from what we normally see. A look at DCU's next opponent.

Everyone loves power rankings. Everyone (should) love the CONCACAF Champions League. Why not put them together?

For years, D.C. United's toughest road trip has been the annual visit to Houston to take on the consistently strong Dynamo. Can United finally get a win in Space City? B&RU's first Scouting Report of 2013 looks at the Houston Dynamo.

D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Philadelphia Union.

D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Montreal Impact.

D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Houston Dynamo.

D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Columbus Crew.

D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Chicago Fire.

Acquiring James Riley wasn't just about depth or adding talent on the cheap for D.C. United. The battle for playing time (and the sharpness that results) is becoming a crucial part of the culture at RFK Stadium.

Despite some good stretches of play, DC United lost to Sporting KC 2-0 in a rainy preseason match. Fans got to see some strong efforts from likely starters & some trialists, while other new facesshowed they weren't up to the job.

DC United's search for upgrades & depth continues, as Panama national team starter Marcos Sanchez (attacking midfield & right midfield) and longtime MLS veteran Shavar Thomas (center back) arrive in camp for trials.

Lionard Pajoy and Taylor Kemp both delivered two goals apiece as D.C. United thrashed the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-0 to start the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic.

Of course D.C. United fans are more concerned with the East, but we can't ignore the Western Conference. We're monitoring the goings-on across MLS, this time taking a look at what's new for the clubs out west.

At Honduras is not the easiest way for the USMNT to start the final round of World Cup qualifying, but the Hex is never easy. An in-depth look at Los Catrachos, including thoughts on where Klinsmann's men might find success.

What's the rest of the Eastern Conference doing to prepare for 2013? We're keeping an eye on the rest of MLS to keep D.C. United fans in the loop, starting with the Eastern Conference.

D.C. United got a 1-1 draw with Swedish top-flight side Malmö FF in Bradenton, FL yesterday. United's goal came from trialist Joseph Nane, heading in fellow trialist Kyle Porter's 75th minute corner kick.