MLS

• D.C. to test improving defense against New England

  
  

  Foxborough, MA (Sports Network) - D.C. United has been impressive in its last 10 matches in Major League Soccer, and will try to build on its recent success Wednesday against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.

  United is 7-2-1 in its last 10 matches, with its last two wins being shutouts - its only two this season. D.C.'s surge has helped it overcome a horrible start and get back in the race in the Eastern Conference.

  D.C. United is six points behind the first-place Columbus Crew and five behind second-place New England, which lost the top spot last week.

  D.C. and New England met in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup on Aug. 12, and United eliminated the defending champs, 3-1.

  United built on the win in MLS play over the weekend, and showed its defense is starting to become a more stable unit.

  Newly-signed Liberian goalkeeper Louis Crayton debuted last week at the Chicago Fire and posted a shutout for D.C., which just posted its first shutout of the season on Aug. 2. Fred scored as D.C. beat Chicago, 1-0.

  With a few more days to settle in with United, Crayton, who wasn't tested often against Chicago but made one great save, will try to post his second shutout in as many chances.

  New England is coming off its worse loss of the year, 4-0 at the expansion San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

  "We were not our best," Revs goalie Matt Reis said.

  If New England can't find a way to regroup, D.C. could take advantage and pick up a key win on the road.

  When the teams played in the U.S. Open Cup, D.C.'s Luciano Emilio scored twice and Santino Quaranta also scored at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

  "It was a tough game," New England midfielder Joe Germanese said.

  Emilio, the reigning league Most Valuable Player who leads D.C. with 11 goals, could punish the Revolution again if their defense has any more problems.

  New England's defense has struggled lately - which is obvious after last week's loss at San Jose. The Revs have lost four straight in all competitions and have allowed 11 goals in those matches.

  New England signed Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla this week, but he could miss Wednesday's game if his U.S. P-1 Visa is not approved in time.

  Both teams play again this weekend, making the mid-week game even more crucial. On Saturday, D.C. hosts Colorado and New England visits Toronto FC.

  08/19 13:21:29 ET