DC United strengthen play-off hopes

DC United bolstered their hopes of reaching Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference play-offs with a 4-2 home victory over the Chicago Fire. Canadian Dwayne De Rosario reached 99 MLS career goals when firing the home side in Washington ahead after 19 minutes, before Daniel Paladini hauled Chicago level in the 45th minute. There was still time before the half-time whistle for United to regain the lead, with Lionard Pajoy heading in. They went 3-1 ahead with another headed goal, this time from Brandon McDonald, in the 51st minute. A diving header from Chicago's Gonzalo Segares with 15 minutes remaining ensured a tense finish, but substitute Long Tan eased home concerns by netting in the 89th minute. DC stand fifth in the Eastern Conference, with five going into the post-season, and have a game in hand over both Chicago and the Houston Dynamo, teams they trail by just a single point. The Columbus Crew stand seven points behind DC, with a game in hand over the team from the capital and two in hand over Chicago and Houston, after a 2-1 home win over Toronto FC. Eddie Gaven gave Columbus a fourth-minute lead with a deflected strike, and recent addition Federico Higuain added a second goal in the 58th minute. Luis Silva produced a composed finish from 20 yards for Toronto's reply in the 71st minute. They remain rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference. FIFA