One sweet defeat: United win Supporters Shield with Loss

Last night DC United lost 1-0 to FC Fanta, on a spectacular bicycle kick goal from US International, Brian Ching. Even with the loss, DC United, through the earlier FC Dallas loss 3-1 to the Columbus Crew, won the 2006 Supporters Shield, which is given the MSL club that has the best record in the regular season. In winning this award, DC United have already secured one of the two US allotments for the 2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which is a huge development.

I am already excited about the chance to watch United play in CONCACAF play next season. Assuming that the core of the team returns, maybe with yet another forward and midfield threat acquired through allotment or such; I feel that this DC United club will be able to go far in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament next season. Playing in those matches will be massive for the likes of Freddy Adu, Joshua Gros, Bobby Boswell and the rest who are possibly thinking of getting any chance to be called up for a USMNT camp. Playing well in those matches will be pivotal in getting their names moved to the top of the lists for callups, especially if the USSF does get the USMNT entered into the Copa America, which one would think would require the setup of almost two USMNT camps, one for the Gold Cup, and the other for the Copa America.

So United lost, in all honesty, I really couldn't care. The last two matches are at RFK and against Eastern Conference foes, two who United might face in the playoffs. Wins in those matches will go a long way towards going deep in the playoffs.