The New York Red Bulls kept the pressure on the Montreal Impact at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference with a 2-1 win over DC United.
The home side took the lead in the eighth minute when Lloyd Sam chipped over Bill Hamid, which clipped the post and hit the keeper before rolling into the net.
DC got back into the game when Nick DaLeon was found on the right and took a lovely touch inside to beat his marker before dispatching a left-footed volley past Luis Robles.
However, the Red Bulls were back in the lead almost immediately as Tim Cahill headed Jonny Steele's pinpoint cross into the bottom corner past Hamid in the 38th minute.
After the break, Robles had to be at his best to deny Lewis Neal as his powerful left-footed volley from just outside the area looked destined for the bottom corner before the keeper parried the ball away.
DC were then handed a way back into the game when Ibrahim Sekagya hauled down Dwayne De Rosario in the penalty area, and a spot kick was awarded and the defender was sent off.
De Rosario took the penalty himself, however, his effort was saved by Robles who dove to his right and palmed the ball to safety, which was enough for his side to secure the three points.
Simon Sinclair
