A Maicon Santos strike has ensured that DC United avoided defeat at home to Montral Impact in a 1-1 draw in Washington.
A cagey opening to the match meant that the first clear chance did not come until the 22nd minute and it fell to Montreal's Davy Arnaud, but the midfielder fired his shot over the crossbar.
The best opportunity of the first period came from DC United's Dwayne De Rosario but last term's player of the season failed to hit the target from inside the area.
After a slow start to the second half Montreal almost took the lead, but Bernardo Corradi wasted a clear chance from six yards as he struck his shot wide in the 67th minute.
However, Corradi made amends for his mistake just moments later as he found space in the area to powerfully head in Lamar Neagle's cross.
DC United responded well to going behind and the home side were level just four minutes later as Perry Kitchen showed good vision to pick out Maicon Santos, who proceeded to fire his shot home from outside the box.
Danny Cruz almost put the hosts ahead with only minutes remaining but Donovan Ricketts kept out the substitute's strike.
Arnaud had the last chance of the game for Montreal but his shot flew wide and the points were shared.
Callum Mulvihill
