D.C. UNITED (7-5-12) vs. KANSAS CITY (6-10-6), 7:30 p.m., Direct Kick
A run of five straight home games won't mean much if D.C. doesn't get three points in this one, which won't be easy, since defenders Marc Burch (ankle surgery) and Dejan Jakovic (sports-hernia surgery) are both out two to three weeks, and the Wizards' somnolent attack awoke last weekend to drill four past the Revs in a 4-2 win while playing a man up for more than an hour.
Kansas City doesn't lead the league in pace, yet Josh Wolff still has some wheels and Claudio Lopez is quick of mind, so the D.C. attack had best be in gear, since a shutout isn't likely. In last year's meeting at RFK, United posted a 2-0 win with goals by Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno; in early June, the teams tied, 1-1, at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Prediction: United 2, Wizards 2.
RIDGE MAHONEY'S 2009 PREDICTION RECORD
Last week: 1-2. Spot-ons: 1. Season: 85-90.
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