D.C. United (2-11-3, 9 points) finally put an end to its club-worst winless streak with a 1-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes (4-7-6, 18 points) June 22 at RFK stadium.
The black-and-red faced an Earthquakes team without reigning MLS MVP Chris Wondolowski, who in 2012 tied the record for most goals in a single season with 27. Also absent was San Jose forward Steven Lenhart.
It was the second consecutive match in which D.C. United was awarded a spot-kick in the first half. United took advantage this time, having given up their lead last week to Toronto FC and being unable to turn around the 2-1 deficit.
The win over San Jose could be pivotal in turning around one of the worst season starts D.C. United has experienced.
San Jose is now dealing with a winless streak of their own. After installing interim head coach Mark Watson June 7, the two-time MLS Cup champions are winless in five of their last six fixtures.
D.C. United has certainly turned up the pace in recent matches and has been looking to press early and create chances.
In the 10th minute, John Thorrington, who was wearing the captain's armband with Dwayne De Rosario on the bench, played a ball to defender Chris Korb who made a clever run into the box, and was brought down and drew a penalty.
Chris Pontius took the free kick and fired a low shot past to the right side of diving San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch, who jumped the wrong way and gave D.C. United the 1-0 lead, marking Pontius' first goal of the 2013 MLS campaign.
It was the first time this season United entered the half with the lead.
In the second half, San Jose's players came out determined to prove that they could create scoring chances without Wondolowski on the field. They had a real chance to equalize on three separate occasions.
Speaking after the match to DCUnited.com, Ben Olsen was relieved and talked about the streak coming to an end and what it has put D.C. United through mentally.
"It's been brutal for the staff and the players," Olsen said. "It's been brutal for the organization. It's been brutal for our fans. But what I am most proud of is we kept things moving forward."
D.C. United has been impressive in recent matches, but hasn't put in a performance worthy of earning the three points. That changed on June 22 and could possibly inspire a positive conclusion to a dismal season.
United's next match is against the New England Revolution in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup, where D.C. United has impressed this season.
The game with New England will be June 26, and D.C. United will return to MLS action against the Vancouver Whitecaps at RFK June 29.
sports@theeagleonline.com
