DC United have progressed to the Eastern Conference final in the MLS with a 1-0 victory over New York Red Bulls.

Nicholas DeLeon's late goal at the Red Bull Arena saw Ben Olsen's side narrowly win the two-legged semi-final tie, after the first leg in Washington last week had ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was a dramatic match in which both sides created some very good clear-cut chances.

The first chance of the encounter fell to Lionard Pajoy in the early minutes when he was put through on goal, but Luis Robles was up to the challenge.

Moments before the half-hour mark, Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry had their shots blocked before Joel Lindpere's attempt went wide.

The hosts had a great chance to go 1-0 up on 70 minutes when they were awarded a penalty.

Bill Hamid was dismissed for his challenge on Cooper, who had to retake his spot kick only to see it saved by Joe Willis.

Minutes later Rafael Marquez picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Chris Pontius and was given his marching orders.

United had the final laugh in New York, as DeLeon latched on to Robbie Russell's pass and slotted home in the closing stages of the clash.

United will now take on Houston Dynamo in the two-legged Eastern Conference final.