After scoring D.C. United's first goal in the 32nd minute, forward Chris Pontius assisted Lewis Neal in the 63rd for what would prove to be the winning strike in a closely contested 2-1 match against the New England Revolution.
From the top of the penalty box, Neal beat diving New England goalkeeper Matt Reis, who made five saves in the match, for his first goal of the season.
Opposite Reis, United goalkeeper Bill Hamid also made five saves, including a one-on-one stop against Revs rookie midfielder Kelyn Rowe, who was going for his second goal of the game, and the tying strike, with just more than five minutes to play.
Hamid shut out the Revolution for the final 60-plus minutes of the match, with New England's lone goal coming in the 29th minute from Rowe, who was assisted by midfielder Diego Fagundez.
Rowe's goal was answered three minutes later by Pontius, who tied it the score up at 1-1 with an assist from midfielder Branko Boskovic.
The win moves United, at least temporarily, into the fifth and final playoff spot in the East with a record of 13-10-5.
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