A second half strike equalized the match and earned D.C. United a crucial point on the road as they drew the Montreal Impact 1-1 Saturday night at Stade Saputo.
Yamil Asad scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season at the 70th minute to draw the Black-and-Red level and ensure they leave Canada with a point before returning for a long stretch back home.
United started the match on the back foot after Montreal struck first in the 5th minute courtesy of Matteo Mancosu. The goal came off a ball that took a series of bounces that managed to land at the feet of Mancosu deep in the box for the finish to make it 1-0 for the home side.
D.C. took a hold of the game after the opening goal, though, and put a steady stream of pressure on Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush.
United came close to finding the equalizer at the 38th minute when a free kick from United’s captain, Wayne Rooney, banged off the right post after clearing the wall and beating Bush.
Despite the numerous chances, the Black-and-Red ended the half down a goal.
They found one in the 70th minute when Luciano Acosta played a clever ball into the box that found the right foot of Asad who deflected the ball past Bush to make it 1-1. The goal was Asad’s ninth of the season, giving him the team lead in goals. Acosta’s assist on the goal also increased his team-leading assist total with nine on the year.
The Black-and-Red now return to the District for a three-game homestand at Audi Field starting with Eastern Conference rivals Orlando City SC on Aug. 12 at 8 PM ET on FS1.
