United finds boost at RFK Stadium

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After a 2-0 loss at Colorado on Sunday they described as "effortless" and "bad," D.C. United's players couldn't wait to get back home.

United can't win on the road these days — it is 0-10 in away games since Sept. 1 — so games like tonight's against the Chicago Fire at RFK Stadium have become vital.

"On our home field we should have no problem with Chicago," United defender Clyde Simms said.

That might be a bit bold. United is 4-1 at home in all competitions this year and has scored 16 goals in those games. However, the Fire have the best road record in MLS play this season (2-0-1), outscoring teams 5-1 and boasting the best defense in the league.

Plus, United may have to face Chicago without playmaker Marcelo Gallardo, who is nursing a calf strain. Flank midfielder Fred, who missed the Colorado game, should return.

For United's players, getting the loss at Colorado out of their system is a priority.

"I think everyone is fired up after watching the tape against Colorado and seeing just how bad it was," said United defender Devon McTavish, who is questionable for tonight's game because of a foot injury.

Said United forward Santino Quaranta: "We are going to lose games, but it's the way you lose, and that's upsetting because the effort was just not there against Colorado."

United earned the best record in the league last season after a tough start, but it now sits in the Eastern Conference basement with a 2-4 record. After tonight, the team faces two tough road games, so a win at home is imperative.

"We don't want to lose the season in the next couple of weeks," Quaranta said. "We don't want to be sitting in mid-June saying, 'Where did the season go?' "

United is still waiting for Luciano Emilio, the league's leading goal scorer last season, to find his stride. Emilio has one goal this season and has not scored in the past four league games.

"Unfortunately his position is really tough because if you don't score, everyone says, 'You're the key guy who scored 20 goals last year,' so you feel for him," Quaranta said.

United will have to monitor Chicago's Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who has two goals, and midfielder John Thorrington, who has three goals.

Notes — United will debut its new jerseys tonight with the Volkswagen logo on the front after signing a five-year deal with the German automaker this week. Parking will be free for the game courtesy of Volkswagen. ...

A moment of silence will be held before the game in memory of former New York Cosmos, Washington Diplomats and George Mason men's coach Gordon Bradley. ...

Extended pregame events have delayed the start until 8:02 p.m.