Which gets back to Reynish and his possible chance — not to mention his potential downfall. After all, he is in goal, a highly visible spot. It's not like he can hide behind the drapes.

"Some guys are in and out and get just one chance, that's it," said Reynish. "It could be the only chance you get."

Will the 24-year-old Reynish become the Lou Gehrig of MLS and transition into a long career? Will he help RSL end its history of road failure?

There's a possibility Rimando could come back and Reynish won't even get his shot.

"When you're on the road against a storied team like D.C. United, there's no pressure on you," said Lagerway, coming from one who's been there. "You owe it to yourself to play your best when you get the opportunity you've worked for. Now is your chance to say, 'Hey, man, this is what I've been telling you.' Sometimes funny things happen."

And sometimes they happen really fast.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com