MLS: RSL fails to snap D.C. United's home streak

Washington, D.C. • Snapping an opponent's home unbeaten streak is something Real Salt Lake has made a habit of in the past year.

Last weekend, the club ended San Jose's run of 18 unbeaten games at Buck Shaw Stadium. In March 2012, RSL put a stop to the L.A. Galaxy's run at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

But to end D.C. United's 18-game unbeaten run at RFK Stadium on Saturday night, RSL had to do something it hadn't managed in seven previous regular-season visits: win in the nation's capital.

A Lionard Pajoy goal in the 60th minute negated a hard-fought effort from RSL to snap both streaks. The failure to come away with three points at RFK for an eighth time didn't faze those on the losing side.

"We have a few places where we haven't won, and I don't give it much thought — I'm sorry, I don't care," coach Jason Kreis said after the game. "I know everybody wants to care, but I really don't."

Added midfielder Kyle Beckerman: "They're a good team, especially here at RFK. You only get one crack at it a season, so now we have to wait almost two years before we come back. We don't really look at those stats."

In Major League Soccer, winning games at home is key to a successful season, and it was clear that the loss wouldn't sting the visitors for too long. Next up on the schedule is Saturday's home opener at Rio Tinto Stadium against the rival Colorado Rapids, and a chance to start building a streak of its own at home.

"We're excited, of course," Beckerman said. "We get to open our stadium. I think our fans are really looking forward to playing a game in the stadium, and against our rivals it's always a big one."