GAME 16: The reign continues for the second-half winners and losers

BOXSCORES

The current playoff picture has taken a different look since the second half of the season began. The two hottest teams remain Gateway United and D.C. Forever, while Union S.C. and Montgomery County continue their struggles.

Before all that, we start with the weeks top points producer in Capital District. The league's scoring leader pounded Motor City 5-1 with four players aiding in the production. The Gunners maintain their 6 point lead in the standings for first place with only 4 games remaining and look poised to be a representative in the BSL Cup game. The loss eliminated Motor City from playoff contention leaving the team with only Majors Cup hopes.

Gateway United got back in the winners circle defeating Union S.C. 2-1 with a gutty performance from Landon Donovan. The Saints are now 6-0-1 in their last 7 games and are a win away from clinching a Majors Cup bid. On the other side of the sprectrum, it seems that Union S.C.'s luck has run out, as the team has now spiraled to 5th place. The Blues never had the best of offenses, but managed to win regardless. Now, the team will have to play catch up if it is going to be participating for any sort of Cups.

The Bandits from D.C. have done it again. This time edging out Montgomery County 2-1. This key battle moved D.C. Forever into 3rd place in the standings as they ran their unbeaten streak to 5 games. What makes D.C. so sly and almost thief-like, is how the team wins as the points come from unassuming, bottom-of-the-order players. The bottom line is, D.C. Forever is winning. Sitting at the bottom of Majors Cup qualifying is the once mighty Monarchs. The kingdom is not well right now, as Montgomery County is now on the outside and looking in for the playoffs. The teams operator is making changes, but will they be enough to get this club back to its early season form.

Not to be forgotten, Gaithersburg City got the teams first win in 8 games with a 3-0 win over Garden State. The win puts Gaithersburg a mere 2 points out from the 4th and final Majors Cup spot which is being held with a meager 6 total points so far. The last spot seems to be available to any team that can finish the season the strongest.