D.C. United Eliminated In Final Game

The final playoff spot in Major League Soccer was decided on Sunday afternoon, with the Columbus Crew putting an abrupt end to D.C. United’s season with a 1-0 victory. United’s loss means that the New York Red Bulls have captured the second wild-card slot and, as the fifth team to advance from the Eastern Conference, will slide over to the Western bracket for the postseason, drawing back-to-back defending champions Houston Dynamo in the first round semifinal matchup.

Knowing that nothing less than a win would send them into the playoffs, United threw everything they had at Supporters’ Shield winners Columbus, but were unable to get anything past Crew keeper Will Hesmer. Brad Evans scored the game’s only goal in the 77th minute, giving Columbus a little bit of insurance and bringing an end to D.C.’s 2008 season.

“I can’t fault the guys – they did everything possible,” said United head coach Tom Soehn after the game. “They hit the post three times. I don’t know what more could have been done. We came up short as far as our chances.

“It’s been a really tough year in so many areas whether it’s injuries or personnel changes – it’s been nonstop. We’ve been on the wrong end of so many calls this year so we’re all going to take time to reflect,” Soehn continued. “We still have to use it as a springboard to make us stronger. It’s a frustrating time and everybody is going to do a lot of reflecting over the course of the offseason.”