New York Red Bulls have held DC United to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their MLS Playoff tie at the RFK Stadium.

The hosts were the better team throughout the first half and were given the perfect opportunity to take the lead in the 33rd minute when the referee adjudged Connor Lade to have handled inside the area.

Chris Pontius stepped up to take the kick, but smashed his shot straight at Luis Robles.

The score remained goalless at the break, despite the hosts dominating the first 45 minutes.

They finally went ahead when Roy Miller diverted the ball into his own net when attempting to clear a dangerous cross in the 61st minute.

However, they were pegged back just four minutes later when Bill Hamid fumbled a routine take into his own net. The keeper claimed that he was fouled when jumping, although there appeared to be very little contact.

DC had to finish the game with 10 men when Andy Najar suffered a meltdown. The 19-year-old kicked the ball to the referee after being shown a yellow card and was promptly given his marching orders.

Despite being a man down, they still managed to get forward but were unable to produce a winning goal.