D.C. United back on top

D.C. United returned the MLS Cup trophy to D.C. after a four-year drought by winning the club's fourth championship in franchise history. United came from behind and held on in the final minutes to defeat the Kansas City Wizards 3-2 on Sunday Nov. 14 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

United had to overcome obstacles to secure the MLS title, much like the rest of their season. Kansas City drew first blood on a goal in the sixth minute by Jose Burciaga Jr., but D.C. was able to battle back. After extending the lead to 3-1 United again faced difficult odds when Dema Kovalenko was ejected after receiving a red card and Kansas City's Josh Wolff converted on a penalty kick early in the second-half to cut United's lead to one. Still, United was able to hang on to the lead for the final 30 minutes.

The United attack continued to be potent, leading the team to victory on Sunday with three goals, two of which were score by game MVP Alecko Eskandarian. During the playoffs, United netted 10 goals in four games. United's defense has also been strong behind the leadership of goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Against Kansas City, the defense only gave up one goal besides for the penalty kick.

D.C. United has mounted a surprising midseason turn-around to win the MLS championship. D.C. ended the regular season with only an 11-10-9 record, but headed into the championship game carrying a six game win streak after ending the season with seven wins in their last eight league games.

For the first part of the season United was inconsistent and did not resemble a championship caliber team. However, in the beginning of September the team met and refocused their energy after a couple of tough matches. The players committed themselves to practicing hard and following coach Peter Nowak's system. Since then United has been playing as a cohesive unit on both the defensive and offensive ends of the field. Nowak's philosophy and coaching has been vital in spurring the turnaround for United.

Goalkeeper Nick Rimando's season reflects what has happened to the team as a whole. At the beginning of the season Rimando started in goal for United but after a couple poor performances was replaced by rookie back-up Troy Perkins. Rimando returned to the starting line-up with nine games left in the season and has been stellar recording five shutouts and allowing only four goals. In the semi-final match against The New England Revolution, Rimando was the hero of the game as he saved the Revolution's final penalty kick in the overtime shootout to secure the United victory.

United peaked at the best time of the season, the playoffs. United won the club's fourth MLS cup after four consecutive losing seasons in which United had faded after wining the first three out of four championships in MLS history. However, the club has now begun to regain their prestige by hoisting up another championship trophy.