CCC: United, they fall

Despite a well-played first half, DC United's defense finally caved before the home team Pachuca (Mexico) 2-0 in last night's CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal first leg.

After consecutive scoreless matches, DC United have to be wondering how long it will take before their new orchestrator Marcelo Gallardo will gel with his South American compatriots Emilio and Franco Niell. But fans can take heart in the fact that DC, who won the Supporter's Shield (aka the real league championship) last season, after going 0-for-April. In fact, it wasn't until May 6 that United won their first match (a 2-1 home win over Chivas USA) and then MLS's most decorated club went on a tear losing just six matches over the next six months.

Plus, not many pundits expect MLS clubs to steal points south of the border; it's just not realistic given the home advantages (flying bags of urine and batteries, 3am wake-up calls by fans camped outside of the visitor's hotel room, Montezuma's revenge, etc.)

DC will host Pachuca at RFK on April 9 in the second leg, needing to make up the two goal difference. Tonight, MLS Cup champions Houston host Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa at 9pmCT in the other semifinal of CCC.