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Neal leads United past New England

Sep 16, 2012 - 1:38 AM Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United vaulted itself into a playoff position on Saturday, while the New England Revolution were officially eliminated from playoff contention after United's 2-1 win over the Revs at RFK Stadium.

New England snapped a 10-game winless streak last time out and got off to a good start on Saturday as Kelyn Rowe's deflected shot found its way past goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

However, United was back on level terms only three minutes later when Chris Pontius found room to unleash a shot from 25 yards that was driven low and just inside the left post.

The home side started to get the better of the play as the second half wore on, and substitute Lewis Neal broke the tie shortly after the hour mark when he took a pass from Pontius and beat goalkeeper Matt Reis with a well-placed shot from outside the box.

The goal was the first for Neal this season, but it came at an opportune time as United held on for the win after Benny Feilhaber had the best chance for the Revs the rest of the game, but watched his shot whistle past the left post 11 minutes from time.

With a 3-1 loss suffered by Columbus earlier on Saturday against Red Bull New York, United moves two points clear of the Crew for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.