WASHINGTON -- Luciano Emilio scored in the first half and DC United kept its MLS playoff hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.
Steve Cronin earned a shutout in his first start for DC United (9-8-12), which pulled into a tie with Toronto and New England for the eighth and final playoff spot with 39 points. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake also are in contention for the final spot.
Columbus (13-6-10), which saw Emilio Renteria red-carded for a late foul on D.C.'s Julius James, still remains in the best position to claim the MLS Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season finish.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
