The MetroStars and D.C. United come into tonight’s first-round playoff match (7:30, MSG) headed in opposite directions. The Metros have won just two of their last eight games, while D.C. has won five of six, including beating the Metros twice in the last three weeks.

Perhaps beating up is more accurate.

United roughed up the MetroStars, both figuratively and literally. After the Metros won back in April, D.C. won the next three meetings by being more physical and aggressive. The third-seeded Metros will need to match that competitiveness to beat second-seeded D.C. and teen phenom Freddy Adu.

“We need to initiate the contact a bit more rather than be reactionary, be a little stronger and match their level of intensity,” said forward John Wolyniec. “That’s what the playoff are about. If we can match their physical side, we’ll tilt the [game] in our favor.”

Bob Bradley’s club was playing the league’s most creative soccer at midseason, but went into a late-season slump as the Metros’ bevy of internationals shuttled in and out of the lineup and took team chemistry with them.

D.C. routed the Metros 6-2 on July 3 and beat them twice this month, concussing forward Mike Magee in both games. Worse is the absence of outside backs Craig Ziadie (suspension) and Tenywa Bonseu (injury) from a defense that allowed a league-worst 49 goals – not good since the last four MLS Cup champs all led the league in defense.

Chris Leitch could start opposite Tim Regan or Pablo Brenes, but watch for a shift to a 3-5-2 and the unexpected return of midfielder Mark Lisi, who has played just four minutes since his June 12 right-ankle strain but practiced this week.

“We definitely need an attitude,” Leitch said. “When you come into the playoffs you’d better have a chip on your shoulder; you’d better be ready to fight, because that’s what the playoffs are, especially against a team like D.C.”