D.C. United entered last night’s match against Red Bull New York with a grim resolve. In contrast to the pregame festivities in the RFK parking lot and the excitement of the 21,455 in attendance, United’s starting 11 didn’t crack a hint of a smile during the starting lineup announcements. They knew that for all intents and purposes, last week’s favorable result was meaningless; the scars from last year’s embarrassing playoff defeat attested to the value of resting on one’s laurels.

In order to reach the MLS Cup conference finals, United would need to exert themselves for the full 90 minutes. Until the 86th minute, they were outplayed and outscored. It was then that United turned to Christian Gomez. The MVP candidate broke the ominous air with a lethal touch, enabling United to draw even with the Red Bulls and advance on aggregate score, 2-1.

Josh Gros was awarded with an assist for his whipped outswinging cross into the Red Bull box, but United owes as much to Bobby Boswell as they do to their athletic winger. Boswell sensed that he would not be able to handle the cross, and with savvy and awareness he dove backwards, granting the ball a clear path to the feet of Gomez. Gomez quickly settled the ball and fired a shot, beating goalkeeper Jon Conway to the near post.

Photos by Kyle Gustafson. More photos at the match photo gallery.