D.C. United and Toronto FC are knotted in a scoreless tie after the first half in Canada, with both teams starting conservatively before a flurry at the end. Toronto FC played it close at the beginning of the half, but then turned things up on the attack, consistently applying pressure on United keeper Bill Hamid. But United kept last-place Toronto off the board to hold on.
D.C. United needs a win, which would put them six points ahead of the playoff cut line as the season comes to a close. But United appeared sluggish at the start, before two quality chances in the final 10 minutes of the half. Andy Najar fired a cross to Nick DeLeon for their best chance, but the United midfielder lost control of it in the box. DeLeon went to the ground and it looked like he might get the call and subsequent penalty kick, but the referee let them play on.
DCU will now head to the second half looking for answers, trying to stunt the Toronto attack and counter with a goal to solidify their postseason hopes.