Josh Wolff's 73rd-minute goal rescued D.C. United from what promised to be a dismal evening in suburban Chicago as the Black-and-Red salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire Thursday night.
United were trailing 1-0 after Sebastian Grazzini's 59th minute goal when Dwayne De Rosario chased down a long ball on the far right wing and found second half substitute Josh Wolff in the penalty area. Wolff, the former Fire striker, cushioned the ball back to the top of the penalty area, where fellow substitute Santino Quaranta hesitated for just a moment before sliding the ball back to Wolff. Wolff, who appeared to be narrowly offside, took a touch with his right foot before slamming the ball over the outstretched arms of Sean Johnson, off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
What had started as a bad night for United, with starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid forced off at halftime due to a strained hamstring, got worse with Grazzini's goal, which was set up by Patrick Nyarko giving Dejan Jakovic the runaround down the left wing. Nyarko's cross was poorly headed away by Daniel Woolard and Grazzini hit the ball on the volley with his left foot past the substitute keeper Steve Cronin.
The draw was the 15th of the season for Chicago, a new MLS record, and was on balance a harsh result on the Fire. The home side outshot United 12-4, with United only managing one shot on target to United's five.
United next play against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday evening at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. Kick-off of that match is at 8:30 p.m.