TORONTO — D.C. United had recovered in recent weeks from a rough patch and, although things were far from perfect, they were better. A trip north against a spiraling opponent brought a brilliant opportunity to take another step forward.
Instead, United took two steps back with a performance emptier than its 2-0 loss to Toronto FC suggested. Troy Lesesne’s lifeless squad did not record a shot until just before intermission and, if not for goalkeeper Luis Barraza’s exploits and Toronto’s misfires, the match might have been out of reach after 45 minutes.
Lorenzo Insigne broke the deadlock early in the second half, and Lucas Bartlett’s own goal added to the lead before a sleepy crowd at BMO Field.