I’ll try to be brief this morning, as we all face up to the prospect of a longer-than-expected offseason. D.C. United did not go on the playoff run it looked like they had in them. There is no need to comparison shop for accommodations for a trip north in 9 days, no need to fret over a too-short turnaround before Sunday’s first leg. This astounding ride has come to an end for 2018.
There’s not enough separation yet to have a truly good look back at this season, but I know for a fact that we’ll be talking about this year for a long, long time. What D.C. United means has been redefined, and this team brought us unadulterated joy over the past three months. It’s over too soon.
Recaps:
2018 MLS Cup playoffs: Penalty kick heartbreak sees D.C. United fall to Columbus Crew | Black and Red United
A penalty kick win again advances Crew SC from Knockout Round | Massive Report
D.C. United falters in PKs, falls to Columbus in MLS playoffs | Washington Post
D.C. United, Wayne Rooney run ends with MLS playoff loss to Columbus Crew SC | Pro Soccer USA
From delirium to agony, D.C. United suffer shootout defeat to Columbus Crew | Black and Red United
I’ll just add a quick message I left in our site’s chat about a minute after Nick DeLeon’s wonderful equalizing goal: “guys i’m trembling”
The goal, the stakes, the noise...what a moment, even in defeat.
For D.C. United, a painful exit — but a bright future | Washington Post
You know times have changed when the Post’s non-soccer staff is urging people to go see United next year.
“We Weren’t Supposed To Be Here.” Proud DC United Fans Witness The End Of A Miraculous Season | WAMU 88.5
In this case, the story of how United crashed the party is about the getting in more than what happened once in the doors.
LAFC’s MLS Cup Playoffs game temporarily halted due to fans throwing debris | Angels on Parade
I haven’t had a chance to watch this game, but Nick Rimando got hit with an object, Mark Geiger stopped the game, and a homophobic chant LAFC thought they’d eradicated came back last night.
RSL advances to semifinal, beats LAFC 3-2 | RSL Soapbox
All Done: LAFC 2, Real Salt Lake 3 | Angels on Parade
Aside from all that, it was apparently a bonkers game.
That’s all I can muster at this late (er, early) hour. Next year, fam. Next year.