Whenever DC United makes it to the post-season they win the MLS Cup - unless they face the Chicago Fire.

They won the cup in 1996 and 1997. Chicago beat them in the cup final in 1998. They won the cup again in 1999. In 2000, 2001, and 2002 they failed to qualify for the playoffs. In 2003 Chicago knocked them out of the post-season in the semifinals. In 2004 they won the MLS Cup for a fourth time. In 2005, for a second time, Chicago ended United’s season in the first round.

Give credit to Chicago. Give them full credit. The Fire have DC United’s post-season number. They proved that again last night with an astounding offensive performance that left the home team in shambles before the first 45 minutes were over.

A team doesn’t go down 3-0 by halftime without either being utterly outclassed or without having experienced some manner of wholesale meltdown. United suffered the indignity of both melting down and being outclassed all at once. After a terrible first half the shell-shocked team walked into the locker room to a chorus of well-deserved boos. And while the Fire had amply demonstrated their supremacy during that half by punishing every single mistake DC United made, even they must have been astonished at their good fortune.

Whatever hope United had of losing that game with a bit of dignity intact was demolished in the second half, not by the fourth goal, but by a singularly classless act committed by a player whose class had been until then beyond reproach.

Coming as it did in the playoffs, the loss was arguably the most devastating home defeat on record for DC United. Only twice before, both times in 2000, have teams beaten them at home by a four goal margin. Miami beat United by a score of 6-2 to close the team’s season that year. Los Angeles beat them 4-0 to begin it.

Over the weekend I watched Chicago play like a machine for 90 minutes. I also saw a powerful New England rally from a two goal deficit to win their semifinal series in decisive fashion. Last year’s Eastern Conference final was a game of epic proportions. This year’s final may very well rival it. And no matter which team survives that battle, it’s hard to imagine either Colorado or the Galaxy presenting them with much challenge at the MLS Cup.