D.C. United played to a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union at RFK Stadium Oct. 12.
United (3-22-7, 16 points) took the lead from an incredible first half strike courtesy of midfielder Nick DeLeon, and dominated the game, only to give up the tying goal in second half stoppage time.
From the opening whistle, United put the pressure on Philadelphia (12-10-10, 46 points), controlling the possession and launching attack after attack.
In the 36th minute, United midfielder Lewis Neal played a forward ball into the run of DeLeon, who found space between two Union defenders and blasted the ball from 30 yards out into the upper left corner of the goal.
Philadelphia did have a few chances to score before the end of the first half.
In the 38th minute, Union Forward Conor Casey had a clear header blocked after United keeper Bill Hamid leapt just to get a hand to it. The ball fell right back to Casey, who blasted it at goal, but this time Hamid was caught the shot for one of his four saves.
Philadelphia picked up the pace as the second half began, and threatened to equalize early, but the United defense and Hamid were up to task and contained the Union attack, while also trying to extend their lead.
In the 82nd minute, United forward Conor Doyle and Union keeper Zac MacMath engaged in a foot race for a loose ball outside the penalty box. Doyle won the race, and passed the ball over to forward Chris Pontius, who had a free shot on an open goal, but blasted the ball well over the post.
In the 90th minute, Philadelphia substitute, striker Jack McInerney blasted a free header inside the six-yard box from midfielder Josè Klèberson’s cross to bring the Union back.
United had no response, and the game finished even.
D.C. will face Sporting Kansas City away at Sporting Park Oct. 18, still looking for their first road win in their penultimate match of the 2013 Major League Soccer regular season.
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