DC United missed the chance to move top of the MLS Eastern Conference after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Kansas City in Washington this morning.
Searching for a third straight win, United were frustrated in their bid to reach the summit, but the hosts did move level on points with New England Revolution.
It took some 13 minutes for the clash to throw up a chance, as visiting striker Dom Dwyer blasted narrowly wide following Matt Besler's teasing throw-in.
The visitors gradually grew more dangerous and almost went ahead when Jacob Peterson's effort bounced off the crossbar six minutes later.
In a rare foray forward, Chris Pontius went close to breaking the deadlock against the run of play but his effort whizzed just wide of Tim Melia's post.
City never heeded the threat posed by Pontius, who punished them by setting up Jairo Arrieta for the opener shortly before the break.
It was not enough to earn a half-time lead, though, as Kansas provided an immediate riposte when Dwyer fired past Bill Hamid for parity at the interval.
With two goals in his last four games, Chris Rolfe looked to seize the initiative on 72 minutes and fire the hosts top, but his effort whizzed narrowly over the bar as both sides shared the spoils.
Shane Callaghan
