D.C. United should be behind, but two great saves by Bill Hamid and a timely intervention from a goalpost has ensured a goalless first half between United and the Chicago Fire.
The first of four golden Chicago chances came in the 9th minute, when Dominic Oduro was played into space down the Fire's right wing. Odruo was able to run onto the ball and step inside the covering Brandon McDonald, but Bill Hamid alertly got low to save the Ghanaian's low driving shot. Oduro had another chance five minutes later when a mix-up in D.C. United's midfield resulted in Oduro bearing down on Hamid from the left side of the penalty area. Odruo's shot beat Hamid, but not Hamid's left post.
In the 30th minute, Marco Pappa tried his luck, striking a left-footed free kick about 30 yards from goal. Again, Hamid was equal to the task, leaping to his left to deflect the ball away. However, Hamid could do nothing about Oduro's third chance of the half, which came in the 43rd minute. Patrick Nyarko set up shop in the right side of the United penalty area and picked out Odruo streaking to the far post. Unfortunately for Chicago, Oduro hit the ball with the outside of his right foot, deflecting it harmlessly over the bar.
Though United will be happy to be level at the half, they will be concerned over the status of Hamid, who had to be helped off the field after suffering an apparent hamstring injury while taking a goal kick late in the half. If he can't go, Steve Cronin will take his place.