D.C. United drew 1-1 with the New York Red Bulls in their 23rd match of the 2021 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season. D.C. United conceded early, but were able to earn a hard-fought point on the road thanks to a goal just before halftime by Ola Kamara.
D.C. United started with Jon Kempin in goal and Donovan Pines, Tony Alfaro, and Steve Birnbaum as the defensive back three. Julian Gressel and Kevin Paredes played as the two wingbacks and Russell Canouse and Drew Skundrich were partnered together in the midfield. Ola Kamara, Yordy Reyna, and Paul Arriola started up top for the Black-and-Red.
New York Red Bulls scored the first goal of the match in the 6th minute when Dru Yearwood converted a shot from just outside the top of the box. D.C. United responded well and nearly scored a goal of their own in the 9th minute when Steve Birnbaum’s well-hit volley was narrowly saved by the goalkeeper. Jon Kempin made the best save of the half in the 32nd minute when he dove to his right to push away a free kick attempt that took a deflection from its original path. Ola Kamara tied the match just before halftime when he converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after a handball by a Red Bulls defender. The goal was Ola Kamara’s 13th of the season, the second most in MLS. The match went into halftime tied 1-1.
United had the best chance to take all three points in the 80th minute when a Julian Gressel cross found its way to the back post where Yordy Reyna was waiting, but his diving header flew just over the crossbar. Neither team was able to separate themselves in a tightly contested second half, and it finished 1-1 with the two sides splitting the points.
D.C. United’s next match is at Audi Field against Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday, September 15 at 7:30 PM ET. Tune into NBC Sports Washington, TeleXitos, and www.dcunited.com to watch the match.
