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D.C. United is used to having must-win games in late September. But they usually come under different circumstances.
In 2009 it was three-straight home games down the stretch run before the playoffs. Losses to the Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes, and Chivas USA kept United just one point from reaching the postseason.
2008 wasn't much better, with D.C. losing three games in a row then too, each by three goals. And of course you know they missed the playoffs by one point that year too.
2007 was a different story. United's late-season must-win games in 2007 were to wrap up their Supporters' Shield campaign. They did that, but not much else.
Tomorrow, United faces a must-win game at home against the Houston Dynamo. This one is all about pride. D.C. is in last place in the East, Houston is in last place in the West, and the match tomorrow will go a long way towards deciding which club finishes last place overall in the league.
Ben Olsen's stated goal is to finish outside of last place. Three points tomorrow is absolutely mandatory if that is to happen. Let's get them.