DC United stays hot with win over Revolution

DC United forward Wayne Rooney (9) dribbles the ball as New England Revolution defender Andrew Farrell (2) chases in the second half at Audi Field. DC, in Washington, DC, USA, on August 19, 2018. Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

DC United continued their impressive form at Audi Field, earning their third home victory in eight days after a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution on Sunday night.

Luciano Acosta opened the scoring in the 13th minute, collecting a pass across the box from Paul Arriola and firing it in for his fifth goal of the regular season. Acosta has been a major factor in DC United’s hot streak, as four of his goals have come in his club’s last three games.

DC United (7-9-6, 27 points) dominated much of the first half, though New England’s shift to a 4-1-4-1 alignment at halftime helped them create more possession in the midfield. Still, aside from a Diego Fagundez shot off the post in the 55th minute, the Revolution failed to generate much attack, as they managed just two shots on goal and were shut out for the sixth time this season.

The Revolution’s chances at a comeback were hampered in the 73rd minute when midfielder Scott Caldwell picked up his second yellow card of the match, dropping New England (7-9-8, 29 points) to a 10-man lineup. Caldwell will be suspended for his team’s next game Aug. 25 against the Philadelphia Union.

Substitute Zoltan Stieber iced the game for DC United in the 89th minute, scoring on a break after collecting a long pass from Junior Moreno from beyond midfield.

DC improved to 5-1 on their new home pitch. With nine of their last 12 games at Audi Field, DC United has great opportunity for a late-season push, though they still sit six points outside of an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

The seventh-place Revolution are still ahead of DC in the table, but New England is now winless (0-5-2) over its last seven matches.

Michael Mancienne made his MLS debut, starting at center back for New England and playing all 90 minutes. The Revolution added Mancienne during the August transfer window, and the English defender began training this week after his paperwork became official.