Houston, the two-time defending MLS Cup champion and leader of the Western Conference, is 11-5-11. D.C. United, second to last in the Eastern Conference, is 10-14-4 and has not won in seven straight matches.

The D.C. team played without four of its top five scorers, who were out either because of injury or suspension. Houston was without its leading scorer, Brian Ching.

The Dynamo leads the Western Conference by two points. D.C. United must win its last two matches to have a chance to get into the MLS playoffs.