With only ten minutes remaining in DC United’s match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, previously beleaguered comeback-player-of-the-year candidate Santino Quaranta worked his way through midfield and slid a wonderful angled pass behind the New York defense to MLS all-time leading goalscorer Jaime Moreno. Moreno’s first touch was immaculate and his second eluded the NY defender, forcing him into a rash challenge that brought down the United legend and won a penalty.

It was a moment tailor-made for the DC star. But the man usually so cool – and even a little bit cheeky – from the penalty spot froze the keeper but fired his shot wide left. It was United’s best chance to take all three critical points on Saturday, and ensured a frustrating result for the home team. DC wasn’t the only team frustrated though: with just a couple minutes left, a gilt-edged chance fell to the Red Bulls when Colombian star forward Juan Pablo Angel wriggled by Devon MacTavish and completely fooled keeper Louis Crayton but somehow contrived to shoot wide of the empty net, ensuring the game ended 0-0.

In truth, the goalless draw was what both teams deserved. United’s early dominance conjured a few quality chances – the best a swinging cross from the excellent Joe Vide to a diving Luciano Emilio – but they lacked the finishing touch to put them away. As the half wore on, the Red Bulls began to find more and more space behind DC’s four man midfield. They nearly capitalized when Chris van der Bergh’s deep back post cross was knocked back by Seth Stammler to Angel whose side-foot was saved well by Crayton.