With a postseason berth secured a day earlier through other results, D.C. United arrived at Audi Field on Sunday aiming to enhance its Eastern Conference position and continue a late-season rebirth.
The defensive effort had been strong of late, but would the sluggish attack come around in time for the MLS playoffs?
Performing with refreshing style in the first half and typical resolve and efficiency in the second, United gave a well-rounded performance and defeated the Seattle Sounders, 2-0, before a rowdy audience of 18,489.
The third consecutive shutout victory lifted United (13-10-9, 48 points) into fourth place, which, if the season were to end now, would come with home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.