Generally in MLS, you start looking at the standings more often after Labor Day, but for D.C. United, those days have already started. When today’s game against the Montreal Impact kicks off, the Quebecois side will be 11 points ahead of the Black-and-Red having played 5 more games. With four of the six Eastern Conference playoff spots already more or less sewn up, falling 14 points behind another competitor with 15 games left to play feels like too much of a mountain to climb, even with a seven-game stretch at home still coming up.
United isn’t in must-win territory yet, but this one sure does feel like it’s a must-not-lose sort of game.