Ben Olsen: D.C. United's downward spiral is testing

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- D.C. United is in last place in MLS with six points from 14 matches.

Following a playoff finish in 2012, the club is mired in the basement this season, with only one win all year.

"It’s my first time really dealing with a little bit of a downward spiral. It’s tough," coach Ben Olsen said. "You learn a lot. If you’re able to sit back and focus on some of the lessons that you’re given during this time, I think it can help you down the line, from a coaching standpoint and from a personal standpoint. You’re really tested and the players are really tested. It’s not just me -- the organization’s tested and the fans are tested."

On Saturday, D.C. drew 0-0 with the New England Revolution. The Revs had won four in a row in all competitions coming into the match. A week prior, New England scored five on the reigning champion LA Galaxy, so holding it scoreless was a minor positive for United.

"When you’re in this position, you're looking for baby steps and this is, again, something that maybe we can build off of," said Olsen. "I thought the way we got into the attack was better. We had more numbers now in and around the box. Now, the final ball has to be better."

D.C. has scored six goals all season.

"That’s a good team and I don’t care what you say. Last year, they were second in points" in the East, Revs coach Jay Heaps said. "I think there a tough team and I was glad that we didn't give anything away. I thought we could have scored, we didn’t, but I give them credit."

New England is now unbeaten in five in league play.