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Harrison, N.J. • Nick DeLeon scored in the 88th minute to give D.C. United a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In a game that was postponed a day after a nor'easter blanketed the field with snow Wednesday night, the Red Bulls appeared poised to take the lead in the 69th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick as D.C. United goalie Bill Hamid was given a red card.
In a wild series of events, the Red Bulls scored a goal that was taken back before D.C. backup keeper Joe Willis made a crucial save on the second attempt. Kenny Cooper put his initial penalty kick past Willis, but the goal was called off by the referee because the Red Bulls had entered the penalty area early. Willis dove to his left on Cooper's second penalty kick attempt and made the save.
Robbie Russell's through ball sent DeLeon in on goal alone and he put his chance away past Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles, who was hardly tested all game.
The Red Bulls had a man-advantage until the 75th when Rafa Marquea was ejected after receiving his second yellow card.
MLS playoffs
EASTERN CONFERENCE
D.C. United vs. New York
Saturday • N.Y. 1, D.C. 1
Thursday • D.C. United 1, New York 0 (D.C. United advances on 2-1 aggregate)
Kansas City vs. Houston
Sunday • Houston 2, K.C. 0
Wednesday • K.C. 1, Houston 0 (Houston advances on 2-1 aggregate)
Finals
Sunday • Houston vs. D.C. United, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 17 or Nov. 18 • Houston vs. D.C. United, TBD
WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Jose vs. Los Angeles
Sunday • San Jose 1, L.A. 0
Wednesday • L.A. 3, San Jose 1, (L.A. advances on 3-2 aggregate)
Seattle vs. Real Salt Lake
Friday • RSL 0, Seattle 0
Thursday • Seattle 1, RSL 0 (Seattle advances on 1-0 aggregate)
Finals
Sunday or Monday • Los Angeles vs. Seattle, 6 or 7 p.m.
Nov. 18 • Los Angeles vs. Seattle, 7 p.m.
MLS Cup • Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m.