D.C United Out of Playoff Race, Timbers Cling To Slim Hope

Well, now that D.C. United are an after thought in the 2011 MLS Playoffs, perhaps they'll roll over on Saturday and allow Sporting Kansas City to take the Eastern Conference. Not likely, but a guy can hope, cant' he?

With United's 1-1 draw with Portland Wednesday night, D.C. will be watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own homes.

Kenny Cooper put Portland on top in the 24th minute of action when he was able to head in a nice cross from teammate Rodney Wallace.

Dwayne De Rosario was able to notch his 16th goal of the season in the 73rd minute from a Josh Wolff assist, but it wasn't enough to save United's playoff chances. De Rosario almost scored earlier in the match when he fired a rocket from way outside of Portland's box that just missed left of goal.

Wolff, the former Kansas City man, missed a great chance to score his sixth goal of the season in the 40th minute when United Santino Quaranta was able to beat the Timber defense on the left side, and was able to get a shot off to the far post of Portland's goal. The shot would end up being slightly off, but had Wolff kept his own run going he would have surely been able to finish Quaranta's shot.

So, as mentioned before in last night's post, D.C. United will have to settle playing the role of spoiler for Sporting KC on Saturday night.

Something tells me De Rosario will be doing everything he can to ensure he wins the Golden Boot, and perhaps even the MLS MVP award. I'm expecting no less than 10 shots from De Ro.