Sounders, D.C. United finish in scoreless tie

WASHINGTON – D.C. United stretched its unbeaten streak to three matches with a 0-0 draw against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.

After combining for 21 goals in their previous six league meetings, the teams had the first scoreless draw in the four-year season series. Seattle also beat D.C. 2-1 in Washington in the 2009 U.S. Open Cup Final.

Seattle defender Marc Burch failed to convert the game’s best chance in stoppage time against his former team, heading a rebound effort against the post from close range.

United (1-2-2) has allowed just one goal during its unbeaten streak after opening the season with two losses.

The Sounders (2-1-1) had won five straight on the road, dating to August.

Before Burch’s miss, United had the better chances of the second half. Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning parried away Nick De Leon’s curling free kick in the 68th minute.

Shortly after that, Chris Pontius dragged a shot wide right after a give-and-go with Maicon Santos. And just moments before Burch’s chance, De Leon’s longer-range effort forced a two-fisted save from Gspurning.

United came closest to scoring before halftime when Hamdi Salihi one-timed De Leon’s cross off the crossbar from about 6 yards away in the 23rd minute.

Neither goalie was particularly busy. Gspurning made four saves, while United’s Joe Willis made two.