New York Red Bulls earn crucial away goal in narrow semifinal win over D.C. United

New York Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty scored the lone goal of the game as his side defeated D.C. United 1-0 in the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup on Sunday.

The two teams were level for well over an hour, with D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid doing his best to preserve the deadlock for his side, making a save with only his face in the first half. But, McCarty's diving header in the 72nd minute of play proved to be the difference as the Red Bulls locked down a crucial away goal at RFK Stadium.

The Red Bulls aren't all smiles, though, as defender Damien Perrinelle went down with what looked like a serious knee injury five minutes into the second half. But, Red Bulls manager Jesse Marsch will be pleased with the 1-0 aggregate scoreline going into the second leg at Red Bull Arena next Sunday.

D.C. United manager Ben Olsen, on the other hand, will hope the second leg proves a little more efficient for his side, as D.C. struggled to connect throughout the day.