Luis Silva's second-half strike has helped DC United to a 2-0 home win over the travelling New York Red Bulls in the MLS this evening.

Fabian Espindola went close in the opening minutes as he found space, only to see his effort saved by a sprawling Luis Robles down to his right.

DC continued to mount pressure as Espindola turned in a ball for Sean Franklin, who struck across the face of goal and wide.

The visiting Bulls took a while to grow into the game and Bradley Wright-Phillips wasted a great chance when he saw his shot saved from the centre of the box.

Tim Cahill came even closer just before half time as he saw the left post keep out his effort, leaving the sides level at the break.

After riding their luck, DC came out strongest in the second half and took the lead in the 57th minute when Silva tucked home from close range.

Eric Alexander might have rescued a point for New York late on, but he fired his effort straight against a defender with a few minutes remaining, before DC's Eddie Johnson made sure of the win when he added United's second in the 90th minute.