MLS Review: Wizards snap losing streak, United holds on for win

Posted Jun 11, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jun 11, 2010 at 01:04 AM

Kansas City snaps its eight-game winless streak in the league and D.C. United holds off Seattle to take its first road win of the season in Major League Soccer on Thursday night.

KANSAS CITY 2, PHILADELPHIA 0: Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi each scored in the first half as the Wizards won their first game since a 1-0 win against Colorado on April 10 had allowed them to open the season 2-0-0.

Kamara, who was moved to the right wing instead of a more central position, took advantage of the extra space he found as Davy Arnaud found him on the right of the penalty area for a fine strike. Ryan Smith then drew the Union defense in to create space for Zusi, who finished clinically.

Philadelphia’s chances of coming back were diminished just before half time as Michael Orozco was sent off for his second yellow card. The Union rarely threatened throughout the game, though, managing only one shot on goal.

D.C. UNITED 3, SEATTLE 2: Chris Pontius had a hat trick before United withstood a furious rally by the Sounders in stoppage time to earn victory at Qwest Field.

Pontius opened the scoring in the 39th minute, his deflected shot from outside the penalty area leaving Kasey Keller helpless. Keller, though, had no excuse for Pontius’ second as the shot slipped straight through his hands.

Pontius completed his hat trick in the 80th minute, a quickly-taken free kick finding him for an angled header into the right side of the net.

Seattle got a deflection of its own in the 90th minute as James Riley’s low cross caught a slight deflection that took it into the net. A minute later Fredy Montero headed home from 10 yards to create a nervous final spell of stoppage time, but United was able to hold on for victory.