DC United scored twice in nine second-half minutes to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 victory over Orlando City.

It was Orlando who made the perfect start at the RFK Memorial Stadium as Cyle Larin capitalised on hesitancy in the DC defence to fire home after the hosts failed to clear a corner.

Despite the bright start to the match, chances were difficult to come by throughout the first half, and Orlando only came close to doubling their lead when Kaka curled a free kick straight at Bill Hamid.

The story of the second half was much different as DC piled the pressure on, and they twice came close to an equaliser when Sean Franklin headed wide and Davy Arnaud just missed the target with a long-range strike.

Orlando threatened to add to their early goal, but it was the home side who struck with 20 minutes remaining when Kofi Opare found the space to convert from Taylor Kemp's free kick.

The visitors were stunned by the setback, and another extended spell of pressure from DC handed them the advantage when Jairo Arrieta picked out Chris Rolfe, whose volley left Donovan Ricketts helpless.

Orlando pushed for a late equaliser, but they were unable to hit back and remain seventh in the Eastern Conference.