United wins MLS Cup

CARSON, Calif – D.C. United won an unprecedented fourth MLS Cup on Sunday, beating Kansas City 3-2.

United spotted the Wizards an early goal, then scored three times in a seven-minute span of the first half to move in front for good.

Alecko Eskandarian scored in the 19th minute to tie it 1-1, then added another goal four minutes later.

United built a two-goal lead on an own-goal when a pass by Earnie Stewart deflected off Wizards’ defender Alex Zotinca and into the net in the 26th minute.

Kansas City, the 2000 MLS Cup champion, pulled within 3-2 on Josh Wolff’s penalty kick in the 58th minute. The Wizards were awarded the kick when United’s Dema Kovalenko, protecting the goal line, used his hand to knock a shot by Davy Arnaud over the bar.

Kovalenko was ejected, the first player sent off in the nine-year history of the Cup.

Despite a man down, United held off the Wizards the rest of the way.

Freddy Adu, United’s 15-year-old phenom, came on as a substitute in the 65th minute to a roar from the crowd of 25,797. He made a run down the side with the ball late in the game, but goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi was able to pick up the ball before Adu could get off a shot.

San Jose is the only team besides United to win multiple championships. The Earthquakes beat Chicago 4-2 last year and Los Angeles 1-0 in overtime in 2001.