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Red Bulls 0, United 2

Jun 5, 2009 - 3:08 AM By IAN QUILLEN STATS MLS Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The New York Red Bulls' woes in Washington continued. D.C. United's goalkeeping carousel may be slowing.

In his third straight start, Josh Wicks made five key saves to help United to a 2-0 victory over the Red Bulls on Thursday night, including a diving, 86th-minute stop to deny Juan Pablo Angel a game-tying goal.

"You know he's going to hit it first time," Wicks said of Angel's shot, a low volley from near the penalty spot that appeared to be heading into the left net side netting. "I just held my ground and tried to come up big."

Seven minutes later, Jaime Moreno converted a stoppage-time penalty kick to seal the win for D.C. (4-2-7), who now have sole possession of second in the Eastern Conference and posted two of their three shutouts with Wicks in goal.

Santino Quaranta also scored for United in the 36th minute.

Wicks, in only his second season in the MLS, has started five of United's 13 matches. Louis Crayton, projected as the starter in the preseason, has started in six, and Milos Kocic has started two.

"He's doing a great job," said Moreno, who sealed New York's third straight loss with his MLS-leading 126th career goal. "He played good tonight again. That's what happens when you work hard and you have that mentality of being the No. 1."

Jon Conway made three saves for New York (2-8-3), which hasn't won at RFK Stadium since October of 2005, but took down Christian Gomez on a late breakaway to set up Moreno's late penalty kick.

"Obviously, we've had a tough go, and wins have been hard to come by," said Conway, whose team also lost 5-3 here to United in a U.S. Open Cup match on May 20. "But defensively, we've been solid."

Emilio, United's leading scorer, received a red card from the bench moments after being subbed off in the 63rd minute, and will be suspended for D.C.'s home match against Chicago on June 13. Seconds before, the Brazilian had thrown a water bottle after making his way off the field.

"We haven't talked yet," said D.C. United coach Tom Soehn, who would not say whether Emilio's gesture was directed at coaches or officials. "We'll address it as a team tomorrow."

Emilio did help set up Quaranta's goal, flicking Ange N'Silu's header forward toward fellow Brazilian Fred on the right wing. Fred then drove in a low cross onto the foot of the sprinting Quaranta, who side-footed it in from 5 yards.

Seven minutes later, Wicks slid to deny Danleigh Borman, who stumbled on his first touch after finding himself alone on goal.

Conway denied good efforts from Gomez and Chris Pontius in the second half, and Wicks also had to deflect a near-post drive from Dane Richards before sprawling to thwart Angel.

"I think I had a great game, and it shows what you get if they need me," Wicks said. "I think I'm starting to get on a roll, I'm starting to be more consistent. And the team's starting to have confidence in me as a 'keeper."