D.C. United played to a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Aug. 24 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Although United’s Dwayne De Rosario scored an amazing goal from nearly 30-yards-out, the black-and-red couldn’t hold on to the lead.
Since booking themselves a place in the U.S. Open Cup Final, D.C. United (3-17-5, 14 Points) is winless in their last three league matches. Toronto FC also has not earned a victory in their last three MLS fixtures.
Both teams entered the match with intensity, looking to spark a late-season run that could take either team from the bottom of the Eastern Conference and into the offseason with some confidence.
D.C. United opened up the game with notable pressure going forward, dominating possession and controlling the game, resulting in De Rosario finding the back of the net early in the contest.
In the 10th minute after D.C. defender Perry Kitchen played De Rosario the ball in midfield, De Rosario beat his defender not once, but twice. He swayed back and forth, confusing the defense and freeing himself for an effort on goal from 30-yards out.
He struck the ball with ferocity and precision, which Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik dove for, but the curling blast was placed perfectly into the upper right corner. The goal was De Rosario’s third of the season.
De Rosario had a similar chance shortly after his goal, but the shot was handled by Bendik. Despite letting in the early goal, Bendik put in an impressive performance, totaling seven saves on the night.
Toronto turned up their attacking pressure in the second half, and was rewarded in the 60th minute.
After a string of unsuccessful attempts at goal, Toronto went forward and midfielder Reggie Lambe played a low-flying ball in from the left flank to midfielder Bobby Convey. He then launched a powerful blast that easily found its way to the back of the net past D.C. goalie Bill Hamid.
Luis Silva, a former Toronto FC player, had one of D.C.’s best chances of the second half in the 67th minute.
D.C. defender Chris Korb played a ball into the box, which Silva unsuccessfully volleyed at goal, having his shot deflected wide by Bendik.
De Rosario had another chance to score moments later off a free kick, which tested Bendik but didn’t find the back of the net after the veteran goalkeeper deflected the ball away with a diving save.
After Toronto scored, their attacking prowess significantly diminished and they didn’t have a real chance for the remainder of the game. D.C. United, although strong, were also unable to create a real scoring opportunity during the final third of the 90 minute match.
D.C. United will travel to Red Bull Arena to face their arch rivals, the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 31.
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