Dax McCarty hands New York Red Bulls crucial advantage

The New York Red Bulls have claimed a 1-0 victory over DC United in the first leg of their MLS Eastern Conference semi-final this evening.

Chris Rolfe saw an attempt punched away by Luis Robles, before Fabian Espindola drilled wide as the hosts enjoyed a dominant start.

New York soon began to take control and Bill Hamid was called into action to block an effort from Mike Grella.

After the break, the visitors continued to look the more likely to score and Kemar Lawrence came within inches of netting when his strike crashed against the post.

In the 72nd minute New York captain Dax McCarty finally broke the deadlock as he arrived to power in a header from Sacha Kljestan's inswinging corner.

McCarty almost added a second goal in the final minutes when he headed over from another set piece, but his strike proved to be enough to give his side a crucial away win.