Two weeks and a day ahead of its MLS opener, D.C. United remained unbeaten in preseason play Saturday night with a 1-0 victory over the second-division Tampa Bay Rowdies in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Paul Arriola scored in the 34th minute for United, which previously beat second-flight Bethlehem (Pa.) Steel and tied FC Cincinnati. Two tests remain before its regular season debut March 3 against reigning champion Atlanta.
Luciano Acosta created the scoring sequence, surging on the left side of the penalty area and playing a quick combination with Zoltan Stieber before crossing into the six-yard box for Arriola’s one-touch finish at the near post.