Chester, PA – New coach, same old result for the Philadelphia Union.
Chris Pontius scored in the 78th minute as D.C. United won its fourth straight match, 1-0, over Philadelphia and interim coach John Hackworth on Saturday at PPL Park in Major League Soccer.
Hackworth replaced Peter Nowak earlier this week, but despite a strong showing against the Eastern Conference leaders, the Union failed to score as they lost for the fifth time during a six-game winless skid.
United (9-4-3) secured its place atop the East standings. Philadelphia (2-8-2) is ninth in the East, just five points above one-win Toronto FC.
The Union were the stronger side until D.C. United scored, as Freddy Adu, Jack McInerney, Josue Martinez and Michael Farfan all had shots inside 25 minutes.
Philadelphia continued to create scoring chances after halftime, with the best from Antoine Hoppenot in the 65th, but his effort caught the left post.
United quietly stole three points off a free kick, as Branko Boskovic lifted a ball into the area that sailed just over a gang of players and to the far post for Pontius to score from close range for his sixth goal.
Philadelphia defender Carlos Valdes forced a final save from United goalkeeper Bill Hamid in the 85th, but D.C. held on for its ninth win and sent the Union to their eighth loss.