D.C. United Earns a Title Defense

L.A. Times Archives

Oct. 16, 1997 12 AM PT

Associated Press

Raul Diaz Arce scored the game’s only goal in the opening minute of the second half and D.C. United earned the right to defend its Major League Soccer championship by beating the Columbus Crew, 1-0, on Wednesday night to sweep the best-of-three Eastern Conference finals before 9,508 at Columbus, Ohio.

The United (25-11) will defend their league title in the MLS Cup at home on Oct. 26 against Colorado.

The Crew (15-17) almost tied it in the 75th minute off a scissors kick by Brian McBride from 10 yards out, but it went wide left.

Colorado 2, Dallas 1--Midfielder Chris Henderson scored with three minutes left in regulation at Denver to move the improbable Rapids into the MLS title game with a sweep of Western Conference finals.

The Rapids entered the postseason with the worst record of any playoff team (14-18) in the two-year history of the league.

Mexican Damian Alvarez had given the Burn (18-18) a 1-0 lead before 18,452, but countryman David Patino tied it for the Rapids.