Hanging on by a Thread

The Wizards playoff hopes are hanging on by a thread now after their 1-0 loss last night to the New York Red Bulls. KC had plenty of chances last night, but good plays by Bouna Coundoul, poor finishing by the Wizards, and bad luck saw the Wizards drop their second straight result and if not for DC beating Colorado later in the evening would have put KC in an even bigger hole.

KC found themselves trailing early as a throw in deep into the Wizards end was collected by Jimmy Conrad, but as Conrad attempted to clear the ball his leg connected with Dane Richards and the Wizards defender whiffed on his clearance. Richards collected the ball, dribbled into the ball and placed it into the far corner just out of the reach of Jimmy Nielsen. After the goal, KC seemed to wake up and started to create some chances. Josh Wolff and Kei Kamara each had chances to tie the game, but either just missed or were deflected wide. After the Wizards initial response to the goal by New York, the first half became a little more back and forth as both sides created chances and forced some good saves out of the oppositions goalkeepers. The Wizards had the majority of those chances as Coundoul hit a season high for saves in the first half.

In the second half the bad luck came into play, as KC had an early free kick from just outside the box. Kamara stepped up and blast a shot that beat Coundoul, but didn't beat the post as the shot hit the elbow of the goal and bounced back into play. The second half continued to be dominated by KC as Teal Bunbury almost stepped in front of a poor back pass that put Bunbury 1v1 with Coundoul, but Bunbury's finish left much to be desired as Coundoul got down and easily collected the ball. Shortly after Bunbury's chance, though, New York should have made it two. A through ball split the Wizards defense and got to Richards. Richards was in 1v1 against Nielsen, but his shot to the near post hit off the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick. KC continued to push while New York tried to find a second goal on the counter but neither side was very successful. KC had another good chance though in the 76th when substitute Jack Jewsbury fired a long range blast that Coundoul tipped over the bar. New York again countered off of that attempt and Mehdi Ballouchy had a chance to put the game away but Nielsen came up with good kick save. KC had one final chance in second half stoppage time again from a free kick, but instead of a direct shot on goal, Davy Arnaud slid the ball into the path of Josh Wolff, but Wolff's turn, touch, and finish went right into the arms of Coundoul and seconds later came the final whistle.

The loss definitely puts the Wizards right on the bring. KC now faces 4 must win games to even have a chance. Because not just does KC need to win their remaining games, but they need also need Seattle, Colorado, or San Jose to slip up for KC to get in.

Wizards Man of the Match - Kei Kamara - Kamara was a threat all night there were one or two instances where he could have passed instead of shooting, but he also had some good crosses into the box and a wicked free kick that he was unlucky to see hit the bar.

Player Ratings - Nielsen 5, Harrington 5, Conrad 4, Thomas 4, Espinoza 4, Arnaud 5, Auvray 5, Rocastle 6, Kamara 6, Bunbury 4, Wolff 5. Subs Jewsbury 5, Diop 4, Myers N/A.