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Luciano helps United top Wizards

Jul 4, 2007 - 8:25 PM KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- The new-look D.C. United continued to show some old-look results.

Despite being without forward Jaime Moreno, midfielder Ben Olsen and defender Bobby Boswell, United found a way to win as they defeated the Kansas City Wizards, 1-0, on Wednesday.

Although Moreno, Olsen and Boswell are away with their respective Copa America squads, forward Luciano Emilio remained and made an impact as he scored for the fifth straight game.

"I feel very good about this situation," Luciano said through an interpreter. "That's what I've worked so hard for and I'll keep working on that. As a forward, sometimes the ball goes in for you and this is one of those times."

Luciano received a pass from Clyde Simms in the right side of the penalty area and dribbled to the center before hammering a left-foot shot past Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman in the 44th minute.

"When I got the ball, I turned and got the impression there would be a defender right on me," Luciano said. "That's what I pulled back on it, to create some space. I pulled back enough to create the space and that gave me a chance to get a good look."

"Emilio made something out of a tight situation," United coach Tom Soehn said. "He's a goal scorer and he made something out of a difficult chance."

Despite being outshot by an aggressive Kansas City offense, D.C. made the most of their opportunities.

The Wizards had two shots go off the post, and United keeper Troy Perkins was called upon to make seven saves.

"It was one of those games where we knew they were going to get a lot of chances," Perkins said. "We were a little lackadaisical with the ball in our own half early on. We didn't take care of the ball in the first half and caused our own problems. I just held my ground."

"Absolutely they had the best chances," Soehn said. "They put Tony under pressure the whole game, but he came through time and time again."

D.C. has won seven of its last nine games after beginning the season without a victory in its first four games.

Earning three points to reach 23 on the season, United took over first place in the Eastern Division, jumping from fourth over the Wizards and New York Red Bulls (21 points each) and the New England Revolution (22 points).

"That's what we're working so hard for," Emilio said. "It's a good feeling. We just have to keep working hard."

Kansas City continues to struggle finishing its attacks, clearly suffering from the loss of MLS scoring leader Eddie Johnson, who is also away on international duty.

"I think we're creating the same amount of chances," Kansas City coach Curt Odolfo said. "But are we scoring the same amount of goals? We did against New York (on June 2). Since then, it's been, I'll say, a little bit of bad luck, lack of composure, and understanding about just putting the ball where it belongs, which is in the corner."

The Wizards have scored just twice in their last four games, losing three of those games with one tie. Since Johnson left the team, they have five goals in five games after scoring 19 in their first nine.