Josh Wolff's 32nd minute goal has D.C. United on track to snap their two-game losing streak in MLS as the Black-and-Red lead Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 at halftime here at RFK.
The goal was made as the result of a good low square ball from the right wing by Charlie Davies to Wolff, who slammed the ball home at Kasey Keller's right post to score his second goal for D.C. United and his first since the season-opening 3-1 win over Columbus March 19. Davies's cross, however, would not have been possible without a wonderful through ball from just inside the halfway line by Andy Najar, who is making his first start since United's 2-1 loss to New England on March 26.
Seattle will feel slightly aggrieved to be behind at halftime, having had the better scoring chances in the first 45 minutes. Moments after the opening kick-off, Fredy Montero practically stole the ball off the foot of center-back Ethan White and appeared to be through on goal, but his chipped shot merely settled into the greatful arms of Bill Hamid. The Sounders also had the ball in the net in the 24th minute, but referee Hilario Grajeda correctly ruled that Patrick Ianni had used his arm to knock the ball down in the box. That small controversy had been almost immediately preceded by an excellent sprawling save from Hamid to deny a header by Alvaro Fernandez.
United nearly went ahead immediately after being granted a respite by Grajeda, as Davies intercepted a loose pass in the Seattle half and found Najar, who was able to work himself free for a shot in the Seattle area after dribbling for what seemed like ages. Najar's shot beat the 41-year-old Keller, but not his left post, and the game remained scoreless for another few minutes until Wolff's marker.