The New York Red Bulls toiled and toiled, but eventually broke down a resolute DC United side to win 1-0 in a massive match in the race for the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

The match was rife with controversy, as United striker Fabian Espindola was sent off in the 32nd minute for a high boot on Dax McCarty. The Red Bulls man had taken down a bouncing ball in midfield on his chest, but the striker went at the ball with a raised boot and caught McCarty with the studs right in the middle of his chest. It was not a decision United agreed with, but referees are always likely to give a straight red when players go in studs up.

Although it had pretty much been all New York going forward, once DC went down to ten men it was complete domination. For the next 60 minutes, their goal would be put their goal under siege but New York would be unable to break it down.

The Red Bulls finally were able to get the breakthrough in the 90th minute, and it was awfully harsh on DC, who defended masterfully after going down to ten men. This is a critical point lost in their pursuit of the Supporters Shield, and manager Ben Olsen knows it. 

After the match, the manager went after referee Mark Geiger and got in his face, still extremely upset about the decision. This is the second time that a controversial Geiger decision has gone against United, and Olsen let him know that. It is unfortunate to see that happen, especially since Geiger is widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best referee in MLS. He refereed at the World Cup, and was part of the officiating team for one of the semifinals. However, this was certainly a controversial decision, and not all referees would have made it that way.

The outcome of this match still sees DC in first place in the East by five points on Sporting KC, and they no longer have a game in hand. Meanwhile, New York are now above .500 for the first time all year, and sit in fourth place on 37 points, one ahead of the fifth place Columbus Crew.

Key Moments

30' JUST WIDE! Henry picks up a misplaced pass in midfield and strides forward, before stroking a pass out wide to Luyindula. His cross in finds Henry, but his header is inches wide.

31' JUST WIDE! Only seconds after Henry's effort, Wright-Phillips creates space for himself on the edge of the box with a beautiful turn, but his strike is whiskers away. Might have clipped the post on its way by, that one.

32' RED CARD! United striker Espindola is sent off for a high boot! Bouncing ball in the midfield is taken down by McCarty on his chest, but Espindola went at that with his boot and catches the midfielder in the middle of his chest with the studs! Horrible challenge, I'm inclined to agree with that decision on precedent. In this day and age, mistimed and studs up is always a recipe for a red.

35' SAVE! Wright-Phillips is in alone on Hamid! He can go either side, but looks to finesse it in, and it's saved easily.

66' JUST WIDE! Henry creates space for himself on the edge of the box, and looks to curl one into the far corner but its inches away! New York still cannot find a goal.

77' SAVE! Luyindula plays in Henry, and he just has to beat Hamid who makes a fantastic save at full stretch! Off his fingertips and away. That is top class goalkeeping.

90' GOAL! With just 10 seconds on the clock, Lloyd Sam has won it! Henry with a little flick finds Sam in just a bit of space in the box, and he splits Hamid's legs for the winner! Neal fell asleep while marking him, and the Englishman tucked away a crucial winner.