A win would have moved the New York Red Bulls up to 1st in the Eastern Conference. Conversely a win would have moved DC United up into the last play off position.
United knew that another loss, similar to the one against the Red Bull's "noisy neighbors" - NYC FC - would put their chances of a post season appearance in jeopardy, yet they didn't start the game off as powerfully as they had against NYC FC.
The Red Bulls had the upper hand right from the start.
...although DC had some attacks, but they didn't come close to scoring.
Finally, in the 34th minute, Gonzalo Verón scored to give the Red Bulls the lead.
DC attempted to comeback into the game, but they couldn't get anything past Luis Robles in the Red Bulls goal.
In the 54th minute Bradley Wright-Phillips deservedly double his team's lead.
Which they continued to look as though they'd add to.
United had some attacks...
...but Robles was equal equal to all that was thrown at him,
Until, in the 89th minute, Steve Birnbaum, back from his adventures with the US National team, scored what looked like a consolation goal.
From the kickoff the Red Bulls had a chance to restore their 2 goal lead.
...but then it came back down the other end of the field and a fingertip save from Robles denied United their equalizer.
...momentarily
...as the ball trickled through...
...hitting the post...
...squirting back out to the knee of Lamar Neagle where it rebounded back into the goal to tie the game 2-2.
