MLS: DC United 1 Portland Timbers 1

DC United were eliminated from MLS playoff contention after being held to a 1-1 draw against Portland Timbers at RFK Stadium.

Portland grabbed early control of the match, and 24 minutes in took the lead when Kenny Cooper got in behind the United defence to head home a Rodney Wallace cross from close range.

The home team came out in the second half knowing they needed two goals to save their season and started to commit men forward. The Timbers were content to sit back and absorb pressure, attempting to hit back on the counterattack.

MVP candidate Dwayne De Rosario gave his side a lifeline in the 73rd minute with an excellent turn and left-footed finish in the box which beat Troy Perkins to his near post.

The goal was De Rosario’s 16th of the season and put him alone in first place in the Golden Boot race.

Portland substitute Brian Umony had a pair of excellent chances to win the match in the last 10 minutes.

While the loss put United out of the running for a post-season spot, Portland still have a minor chance of advancing but need the Philadelphia Union to beat the New York Red Bulls on Thursday and then claim victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday.