Washington, D.C. – D.C. United secured its first win of the 2013 MLS season, riding Lionard Pajoy's second-half header to a 1-0 defeat of Real Salt Lake at RFK Stadium on Saturday.
United opened its season with a 2-0 road loss to the Houston Dynamo while Salt Lake got off the mark with a 2-0 defeat of the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend.
But the shoe was switched to the other foot this time around as the result sees both clubs take a total of three points from their opening two matches.
D.C. came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening period when Chris Pontius broke free on the left side of the box at the half-hour mark and fired a powerful shot to the near post, but Nick Rimando was able to make a quick reaction save.
The home side eventually managed to get in front when Pajoy beat the offside trap just before the hour mark.
Joe Thorrington collected a half-clearance at the top of the penalty area and chipped a shot on goal, forcing Rimando to tip the effort onto the crossbar. Sebastian Velasquez was slow to push up and Real Salt Lake paid the price as the 22-year-old kept Pajoy onside, allowing the United striker to head home the rebound.
Bill Hamid produced a strong of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay and close out the match to preserve United's clean sheet.
Both sides return to action for Rivalry Week on March 16 as D.C. (1-1-0) heads to Red Bull Arena to take on Red Bull New York while Real Salt Lake (1-1-0) welcomes the Colorado Rapids to Rio Tinto Stadium.
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