Real Salt Lake saw their losing streak reach 10 games on Wednesday night, a two-goal blitz early in the second half giving D.C. United a 3-1 victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Rookie defender Bobby Boswell gave United a first-half lead, then goals from Freddy Adu and Christian Gomez put the game out of reach. Andy Williams scored a penalty kick for Real, whose 10-game losing streak is second-longest in MLS history, tied with the 1999 New England Revolution, outpaced only by the 12 consecutive losses by Metrostars in 1999.
RSL came out in the first half looking like a team that wanted revenge for the 5-1 loss it suffered the last time they met D.C. United, on Aug. 31 in Washington, D.C.
In the third minute RSL forward Melvin Tarley brought a good save out of Troy Perkins, making just his second league start of the season for United, and his first since April 15. Tarley was not alone in his early efforts as Clint Mathis took a shot that was also knocked wide of the far post by Perkins.
Then in the 19th minute Tarley and Williams played a nice passing movement that put Tarley in alone, but he wasn't able to get any sort of shot off as Perkins quickly came off his line to disrupt the threat.
In the 29th minute Real conceded the opening goal when Gomez put in a free kick from the left touchline. Boswell, who hasn't played in the last three league games for United, got up and flicked the ball with the top of his head past Countess and inside the far post.
Real nearly pulled level when Tarley almost got through the United defense, but Perkins quickly came off his line to fall upon the chance.
After the halftime break, Adu scored United's second on a goal sure to grace the highlight reels. He spun around RSL defender Brian Dunseth with a neat header to himself at the center circle and raced through the Real defense before slotting the ball past Countess from inside the area.
The night was not over for Freddy. He became the catalyst for yet another United goal in the 52nd minute when he started a quick counter attack with a pass to Jamil Walker, who replaced Jaime Moreno at the half. Walker quickly sent a pass across the goal to Gomez at the left post and he swept the ball home first-time for a 3-0 United lead.
Real were able to gain a little consolation when Jamie Watson, brought in to replace Tarley at the half, was fouled in the box in the 79th minute, Williams made good on the opportunity from the penalty spot, but that was all RSL could muster.
Neil Wyler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
