Real falls short in upset bid

D.C. United extended its impressive unbeaten streak to nine matches by defeating RSL 2-1 in RFK Stadium on Wednesday night, avenging its June 23 loss to RSL in Salt Lake City. The victory also clinched D.C. United the first playoff spot.

Luciano Emilio sent RSL a message early by way of his strike in the 16th minute.

Emilio headed home the go-ahead score from inside the goal area when Christian Gomez gathered the rebound of a Ben Olsen shot. Gomez then approached the end-line and arched his pass into the penalty area, where Emilio proved his worth.

Kyle Beckerman equalized for RSL from long range in the 32nd minute to put Real back in the match. The goal marked Beckerman's first score in MLS play for RSL. Chris Wingert provided the assist, his first of the year.

The Man of the Match was Christian Gomez. D.C. United's midfielder used his head to notch the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute to put away a stubborn RSL team still looking for its first playoff berth in franchise history.

Gomez continued his season's balanced play with an assist and a goal, bumping his season totals to eight and seven, respectively.

Both teams failed to take advantage of penalty tries.

Josh Gros' run at RSL's Jean Martial-Kipre in the 50th minute resulted in a foul. Gomez stepped up to take the kick, but Real goalkeeper Nick Rimando made the save -- his second consecutive penalty stop -- keeping the score knotted at one goal apiece.

Alecko Eskandarian found himself with an equalizing chance from the spot in the 76th minute when RSL's Carey Talley was fouled by Devon McTavish.

Eskandarian came up dry as D.C. United keeper Troy Perkins denied the shot to preserve D.C. United's victory.

j.gilbert@chronicle.utah.edu

Before the penalty kicks, RSL forced Perkins to work for his paycheck by putting six shots on goal before the intermission.

Eddie Pope did not enter the match for RSL, marking the first time all season that Pope did not log minutes. Since July 29, 2006, the savvy veteran had not missed a league match.

With the loss, RSL (4-13-6) is thinning its chances at a postseason appearance.

RSL will get its next chance at three points when it takes on Toronto on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MST.

j.gilbert@chronicle.utah.edu