Despite having three quality scoring chances in the first half, D.C. United have been unable to manage a goal so far as they go to halftime locked in a goalless draw with the San Jose Earthquakes in Santa Clara.
United's first chance to score came in the 18th minute as Chris Pontius created a bit of space for a shot from the left side of the penalty area, but the ball slid wide of Jon Busch's left post. Thirteen minutes later, a long ball from the right wing by Andy Najar picked out Blake Brettschneider in the penalty area, but the rookie couldn't immediately control the ball and had to contort himself into an awkward position to get a shot away. The rookie didn't get enough direction or power in his shot attempt and could only screw it wide of the net. A minute later, Dwayne De Rosario broke into the penalty area with Brettschneider to his left. The Canadian international opted to try his own luck, but only managed to miss the net wide.
Bill Hamid had a relatively quiet first half, only having to make one save on a soft, straightforward header by Alan Gordon in the 40th minute of play.