The moment the whistle blew, the 18,748 at RFK Stadium arose in unison, knowing the moment had finally come. New York defender Hunter Freeman had fouled D.C. United forward Luciano Emilio in the box, meaning a penalty kick for Major League Soccer’s most prolific scorer from the spot, Jaime Moreno.
It had been more than two months since Moreno had tied the league’s all-time scoring mark with a penalty kick in Toronto on May 19. By calmly burying his 48th-minute kick into the lower left corner on Wedneday, the 33-year-old striker, in his 12th MLS season, claimed sole possession of the record for himself with his 109th goal — increasing his all-time best penalty total to 33 — the perfect exclamation point for United’s dominating 3-1 victory over the Red Bulls.
The win was D.C.’s fourth straight, and it propelled United (11-6-3, 36 points) into sole possession of second place in MLS’ Eastern Conference, three points ahead of New York (10-8-3, 33 points).
Coming off a game against Los Angeles in which New York matched its season-worst with four goals allowed, the Red Bulls defense again was shaky early, allowingUnited to strike twice in the first eight minutes.
With less than six minutes played, New York goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus spilled United midfielder Fred’s shot, the loose ball promptly cleaned up by Ben Olsen to put the home team ahead, 1-0.
Barely two minutes later Olsen worked a combination with Moreno on the right side of the box, his cross at from the end line deflecting off the foot of New York defender Chris Leitch and falling perfectly for Christian Gomez to nod in at the far post and double D.C.’s lead.
Juan Pablo Angel pulled the visitors back with a 21st-minute penalty kick called when United goalkeeper Troy Perkins looked to have tripped Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards in the box. The New York goal ended United’s franchise-best shutout streak at 362 minutes.
Notes
» D.C. United forward Luciano Emilio left the game in the 69th minute with a left hamstring strain.
» United defender Bobby Boswell was on the bench for the second straight match in favor of Greg Vanney.
» Troy Perkins preserved United’s two-goal margin with a diving save of a Clint Mathis free kick in the 90th minute.
