Midfielder Pat Phelan's first goal of the season gave the New England Revolution a 1-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night.
New England is unbeaten in its past seven matches (5-0-2; 2-0-1 in MLS) overall improved to 5-9-3 on the season.
United, playing their first match under interim coach Ben Olsen, had their winless streak extended to seven (0-5-2) matches, falling to 3-13-3 on the season.
The Revolution had only two shots and one corner kick during the initial 45 minutes, but Phelan headed in a free kick by Chris Tierney in the 42nd minute.
Phelan slipped in front of two United defenders, flicking the ball toward the top right corner. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid lunged with his hand to get a piece of the ball, but was unable to stop it.
Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis earned his second shutout of the season despite three superb second-half scoring chances for United. Branko Boskovic had a point-blank shot in the box from 12 yards out dismissed by Reis in the 56th minute; Stephen King uncorked a right-footed blast, also within the penalty box, wide right of the post in the 73rd minute and Adam Cristman's header was wide to the short side in the 79th.
United have the fewest points (12) and goals scored (12) in MLS, the worst road record (1-7-2) and have been shut out five times during their seven-match skid.
