In a game that they have to win to keep their postseason aspirations alive, D.C. United find themselves behind 1-0 at halftime through Kenny Cooper's headed goal in the 24th minute at RFK Stadium.
Cooper slipped between central defenders Ethan White and Brandon McDonald to head home a left-wing cross from former Black-and-Red player Rodney Wallace.
McDonald had nearly put United in front earlier in the half when his own header from Andy Najar's corner had gone just over the crossbar. That was D.C. United's best chance until the 33rd minute, when Andy Najar, who had briefly switched to D.C. United's left, cut inside from the byline toward the penalty area, but his right-footed shot rolled gently into the hands of Troy Perkins. A couple of moments later, Charlie Davies got on the end of a Dwayne De Rosario free kick, but he too couldn't get enough power on his shot and it rolled right to Perkins.
In the 40th minute, United spurned a golden chance when Santino Quaranta skipped around his man on the left side and sent a cross across the top of the six-yard area, where Josh Wolff deflected it just wide of the far post.
If D.C. United do not rally to win tonight's match, they will be eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth season in a row.