Timbers 1 - 1 D.C. United
Final
  for this game

D.C. draws Portland to crash out of contention

Oct 20, 2011 - 2:52 AM Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United crashed out of the playoff hunt in a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers at RFK Stadium on Wednesday.

D.C. United entered MLS action needing to win their final two regular season matches, but Wednesday's draw put an end to its their playoff aspirations.

Portland is still in contention, but will need a Philadelphia Union win over Red Bull New York on Thursday if the Timbers are to have any hope of qualifying ahead of their game at Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Kenny Cooper and Dwayne De Rosario traded goals on opposite sides of halftime, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the contest that culminated with several close scoring chances both sides.

Cooper nodded home the opener in the 24th minute, taking a cross from Rodney Wallace and beating goalkeeper Bill Hamid with a header from close range.

But De Rosario equalized with an MVP-calibre strike in the 73rd minute, collecting a pass from Josh Wolff in the box with his back to goal before turning and ripping a shot into the top corner.

The goal brought the match to life, as both teams opened up and attacked in search of a winner.

Portland came within inches of producing a go-ahead goal, but Brian Umony's effort from close range struck the underside of the crossbar before being cleared to safety.

D.C. United continued to apply pressure, eventually breaking through in the 89th minute, but Blake Brettschneider was ruled offside by the assistant referee and the goal was disallowed.

De Rosario nearly found the winner when he made his way around Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins, but his shot was cleared off the goal line by covering defender Eric Brunner.

The draw snaps a four-game losing streak for D.C. United, but extends their winless streak to five games.

Portland now looks to Philadelphia for a favor, needing the Union to produce three points against the Red Bulls. The Timbers can only qualify with a win by Philadelphia and a win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. A win or draw for New York automatically ends Portland's playoff hopes.

D.C. United will wrap up their season at home on Saturday when they host Sporting Kansas City.






Related News