The chilly air last night couldn't have made Jamaican side Harbour View FC comfortable in their boots. After D.C. United's second half scoring outburst, the conditions at RFK Stadium must have seemed downright unforgiving.

In light of last Thursday's draw in Kingston, each side entered the match needing a win to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. Despite the need to score, Harbour View held their 3-4-3 formation in a defensive posture the entire first half and rarely threatened United's goal. Though United had few scoring occasions of their own, they were able to dictate the tempo of the match and grew more confident offensively as the match progressed.

One of the key components to United's attack was Franco Niell. The Argentinean forward displayed tremendous speed, fitness, toughness, and skill on the ball. Though he stands at all of 5'4", United's midfield had ample success targeting him with long balls. While maneuvering in traffic, his drawn foul set the stage for another of United's offseason acquisitions to claim the spotlight.

Standing 35 yards out, midfielder Marcelo Gallardo swung in a free kick. While United's movement inside the box distracted the HVFC defense, Devon McTavish met the looping ball at the back post and directed his shot past on-rushing GK Dwyane Miller. Gallardo followed his 26th minute assist with another dangerous set piece in the 39th. When his initial direct take was blocked by the Harbour View wall, he volleyed the rebound straight into the cross bar.

All photos by Kyle Gustafson. Full photo gallery after the jump.

Though United was unable to create many chances in the first half, their defense conceded little to Harbour View; the visiting side was limited to a few laughable long-distance shots as United's newly acquired central defense performed confidently and effectively. Gonzalo Martinez proved adept at closing space, while 6'2" Gonzalo Peralta dominated the air.

The second half started to play out similarly to the first, with United retaining control of the match. Then, 15 minutes in, HVFC decided to push their midfield up in an attempt to create more offense. The decision proved to be disastrous for the visitors. United's skilled attackers got behind Harbour View's back line time and time again, and the goals began to mount.

Luciano Emilio was first in line. After receiving the ball in the penalty area, the forward laid off to Fred. Though a give-and-go seemed almost inevitable, Fred surprised the defense by zipping toward goal. After drawing in two defenders and the goalie, he backheeled a pass toward his Brazilian countryman. Emilio faced a practically open net, and he did not miss it.

In the next two minutes, Harbour View's defense committed three costly turnovers, and United duly took advantage. Santino Quaranta, back for a second stint with United, entered the game in the 64th minute and only a minute later found himself in the enviable position of running at the goalkeeper with nary a defender in sight. Though Miller blocked his blast, the rebound went right to Emilio, who connected with a sharp header for his second goal of the night.

Only two minutes later, Emilio and Quaranta again raced past HVFC's back line. Though Quaranta didn't have a shot when he received Emilio's cross at the far post, he calmly slotted the ball toward the middle of the box. It caromed off a defenders leg and allowed Devon McTavish to claim his second goal of the night with an easy finish.

United's scoring chances were still not depleted. Though Emilio missed a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper, Fred converted a similar opportunity with two minutes left in regulation. The midfielder connected with Quaranta to beat the offsides trap. After a quick stepover, he beat Miller to the far post and broke out a pacifier in celebration (apparently, this has something to do with his pregnant wife).

Quaranta's celebration came minutes later. The forward's first tour with United was marked by youthful promise, excruciating inconsistency, and a somewhat bitter departure. The 23-year-old's performance last night constituted a redemption of sorts, particularly in the eyes of the Barra Brava, who showered him with cries of "You're forgiven!" as he donned a Barra jersey.

The rout gave the 12,394 in attendance much to cheer about. Tonight's match between Pachuca of Mexico and CD Motagua of Honduras will determine United's semifinal foe. Either figures to be a bigger challenge. If United can replicate the clean sheet and scoring fireworks of last night, it would serve as a more accurate measuring stick for this revamped squad.

United's next game is their MLS season opener on March 29 at Kansas City, giving them ten days to savor a sweet victory.