DC United learnt an early lesson on the weekend according to goalkeeper Troy Perkins.

Following a season-opening 4-0 home loss to Kansas City Wizards, the Washington club found out where they are at as a squad.

After some good form in the off-season, DC capitulated to concede twice in each half with Perkins labelling it a 'good lesson to learn'.

"It was an eye-opener for us," Perkins said. "We went through preseason, we won games, we played well, but coming into the season, it's a different story. It's a good lesson to learn early."

Head coach Curt Onalfo , who was at the helm of the Wizards last season, said his side had seemingly pencilled in a victory prior to the match which in the end probably contributed to the heavy defeat.

"For whatever reason, we stepped on the field thinking we were just going to win the game and didn't realize that we actually had to earn it on the field," Onalfo said. "It's a disappointing performance. We made a lot of youthful errors."

DC get the chance to redeem themselves when they take on New England Revolution at home this Saturday in Week of MLS' 2010 season.