Turns out I was right

... about Emilio. The guy is scoring goals at a torrid pace, and is in the hunt for the Golden Boot lead. I am not surprised.

His slump was due primarily to the fact that early in the season he was getting late service with his back to the goal and not uncommonly two or three defenders draped all over him.

NOW, he is getting service while on the move toward and near or in the box. And he has been burying his chances in "the back of the old onion bag" with regularity ever since.

Some of that is due to Emilio's improved movement off the ball, most is due to better play, anticipation, and service by the midfielders.

So, DC United is playing some nice soccer now. But we need to improve our backline, improve our goalkeeping, and get better play from the flanks to get another MLS Cup.

Speaking of goalkeeping, I have been a harsh critic of Zach Wells. But I have to admit he is improving. I watched the LA game (DVR'd the Sunday broadcast) on Monday night and Wells had some nice stops and his positioning was better. The goal was more the fault of Peralta, who whiffed on his clearance, than Wells, who was a bit late off his line but for good reason -- he had to cover the far post first because it appeared the ball would squirt to Buddle's left.

I still like Peralta better than many on Bigsoccer do. He is an improvement over Boswell, and I think he will get even better as he and the team continue to gel.

~ Ron