An improved second-half performance by D.C. United failed to produce a needed goal Saturday night at RFK Stadium. As a result, the Black-And-Red recorded its second goalless draw of the season, this time against the Seattle Sounders, and kept the club's fans and followers waiting a little longer for the elusive two wins in a row.
Despite stepping up their performance in the second half, United always seemed a step or two off the pace. But they did manage three real scoring chances, which is more than could be said for their opposition. The first chance came midway through the second half, when Chris Pontius' shot from a near-impossible angle slipped wide of Michael Gspurning's left post.
In the 69th minute, Nick DeLeon tried to beat Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning with a swerving free kick, but Gspurning was able to get to his near post to beat it away.
Then, in the 87th minute, Seattle conceded another free kick from about 22 yards away. Dwayne De Rosario, the player who had been fouled, stepped up to take it, but only succeeded in spooning the shot over the bar.
The visitors had a chance to steal the points in injury time when Osvaldo Alonso's shot was punched into the path of former United man Marc Burch, who seconds earlier had been serenaded with chants of "DC reject" by some of the 15,651 at RFK. But Burch's header hit the post and the game ended shortly after.
United's record is now 1-2-2 (5 points), while Seattle is now 2-1-1 (7 points). United travels to New England to play the Revolution next Saturday.
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