Despite having the best chance of the first half, D.C. United have been unable to break through against the West-leading Los Angeles Galaxy, as the teams enter halftime tied 0-0.
United could have easily gone in front after 25 minutes as Andy Najar broke free down the right side and sent the ball across the mouth of Josh Saunders' goal toward a streaking Josh Wolff, but the former U.S. International couldn't reach his foot out to redirect home. The home side's best chance for a goal had come 12 minutes earlier, as a speculative shot from the right channel outside the area by Chris Birchall forced Bill Hamid to scramble to his left to knock the ball safely out of play.
Ben Olsen began the game with the same striking partnership that ended Sunday's win at Portland, as Josh Wolff played alongside Blake Brettschneider. Fred was a surprise starter in central midfield alongside Clyde Simms, as Dax McCarty suffered a setback while trying to recover from his groin injury and proved unable to even make the bench. Chris Korb got the start at right back for the first time since April 21, while Perry Kitchen partnered Ethan White at center-back.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena started a five-man midfield to compensate for the missing Landon Donovan, as Birchall and Miguel Lopez came into the team alongside David Beckham, Juninho, and Mike Magee, with Chad Barrett playing up top as the Galaxy's only true striker.