United's Champions League Bid Ends Meekly

Cruz Azul 2, United 0

D.C. United was already at a severe disadvantage last night in Mexico City because of injuries, suspensions and the absence of several regulars who stayed behind to prepare for this weekend's MLS regular season finale. Thirty-one minutes into the CONCACAF Champions League match against Cruz Azul, United was handed another setback when goalkeeper James Thorpe, making his first-team debut, was ejected for a second yellow card.

Short-handed for 59 minutes and undermanned in the attack, United did not stand much of a chance and dropped a 2-0 decision, eliminating it from contention for a quarterfinal berth in the regional championship.

United (0-4-1) is in last place in the four-team group and will conclude competition next Wednesday against Marathon of Honduras at RFK Stadium. Cruz Azul (3-1-1) is battling Marathon (2-1-1) and Saprissa of Costa Rica (2-1-1) to reach the quarterfinals.

Thorpe's replacement, Louis Crayton, was also ejected, forcing midfielder Quavas Kirk to man the net for the final few minutes.

With a critical league game Sunday at Columbus, United left many regulars at home and was without suspended players Zach Wells, Rod Dyachenko and Joe Vide. Coach Tom Soehn was barred from the sideline after receiving a red card in a 2-2 tie at Saprissa two weeks ago, leaving assistant Chad Ashton in charge.

Thorpe, a rookie and third-string keeper, was under constant pressure the first 20 minutes and received an early yellow card for upending an attacker outside the penalty area. After the match settled down, Thorpe retrieved a missed shot and took his time preparing a goal kick. Without warning, referee Roberto Moreno issued him a second yellow card for wasting time.

Crayton took over the goalie duties and rookie forward Ryan Cordeiro was removed, leaving Thabiso Khumalo as the lone striker. Six minutes later, Cruz Azul went ahead when Nicolas Vigneri headed in Alejandro Vela's cross from five yards.

United pressed hard for the equalizer in the second half, sending several dangerous crosses into the penalty area and watching Marc Burch's long-range blast narrowly miss.

Then in the 88th minute, with United's Gonzalo Martínez on the ground with an injury, Pablo Zeballos scored from 23 yards. Furious that play was not stopped, Crayton charged Moreno and was ejected.

United must win Sunday and hope for help in another match to earn an MLS playoff spot.