D.C. United left the field last night earning two less points than they should have. The circumstances of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Monarcas Morelia were among soccer’s most frustrating; United conceded a late goal to a 10-man opponent.

In letting the win slip away, United could blame excruciatingly inconsistent officiating. They could point to RFK’s shoddy infield as a source of their misfortune. They could take refuge in the fact that Morelia’s goal was the result of a wonder strike and not a defensive breakdown. All of these factors would have been moot, however, if United had finished the many chances afforded to them and bolstered their lead.

Among the 13,335 in attendance at RFK were a smattering of Monarcas supporters. In a rare opportunity to catch their team visiting the area, they had to be disappointed after a first half in which the home team dominated. In only the 7th minute, United scored with relative ease.

Luciano Emilio was fouled about seven yards from the penalty area as he fought for positioning to receive a long ball. Christian Gomez (as he often does) took full advantage of the ensuing free kick and hooked an unstoppable shot around the wall and inside the near post.

Photos by Kyle Gustafson