On Saturday night, D.C. United faced off against Toronto FC under the lights at Audi Field. With Philadelphia and Montreal both suffering losses the same day, the Black-and-Red came into the game with an opportunity to take over the lead in the Eastern Conference with a win over the visitors from the North.
Toronto opened scoring in the 19th minute. Richie Laryea dribbled through the D.C. United defense and passed the ball to Nick DeLeon, who was able to tap the ball past Bill Hamid for the first goal of the night The Black-and-Red were able to create a couple of good chances in the Toronto end, including a goalkeeper giveaway that just missed the corner for Wayne Rooney. But D.C. United never quite found their rhythm and went to the half losing 1-0.
D.C. United created some decent chances in the second half but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities in the run of play. But in the 88th minute, a Toronto defender dragged down Frédéric Brilliant on a corner kick. The referee consulted VAR and decided to give D.C. a penalty kick.
Wayne Rooney stepped up to the penalty spot and sent the ball straight down the middle. Quentin Westberg dove out of the way and Rooney tied the game for the Black-and-Red. A few minutes later, the final whistle blew and D.C. United earned a draw at home.
D.C. United will hit for a 4th of July match against FC Dallas before returning to Audi Field on Friday, July 12th to face the New England Revolution.
