This is the End

Tomorrow night the Wizards will end what's been a lackluster 2009 season when they take on DC United at Community America Ballpark. While this game means nothing for KC, it means everything for DC. DC needs a win and some help to get themselves one of the two remaining playoff spots. They're competing with 5 other teams for those 2 remaining spots. DC comes into the game after getting a 1-1 draw down in Mexico against Toluca. In that game, DC played a mix of starters and reserves in preparation for this game while also trying to get the win and advance in the CONCACAF Champion's League.

For KC, this season can't end quick enough. KC will want to get this season behind them, from the 0-4 August, to the 1 goal in league play from early July to September, to the 4-6-4 record at home (while being 4-7-4 on the road), this has not been a good season for the Wizards. Still, they'll be looking to spoil United's attempts to get into the playoffs. The question is, with the Wizards out of the playoffs are there going to be any lineup changes to get some younger players into the lineup? With the current injury report, it looks like we could se a few lineup changes made, as Michael Harrington and Jonathan Leathers look set to miss the game. Harrington is the more intreging miss from the lineup, as it will either lead to Matt Besler moving back to left back and Aaron Hohlbein coming in, or Matt Marquess getting his first start of the season.

Hartman
Myers - Conrad - Hohlbein - Besler
Jewsbury - Zusi
Arnaud - - - - - - - Lopez
Zoltan - Wolff

Key Match Up - Jimmy Conrad vs Luciano Emilio - Emilio hasn't had the season he's had in previous years, but Emilio is still a major danger that Conrad is going to have to keep his eye on.

PREDICTION - DC needs this game more than KC does, but KC will be wanting to finish on a high note and to avoid having the same home record as they do on the road. With DC playing midweek that could have a factor on the game, although the lack of play for many of the first teamers could have them fresh. It'd just be nice to end the season with a win to head into the 2010 season with something positive.

KC - 2 (Zoltan, Wolff)
DC - 1 (Moreno)