DC United have lost ground on their Eastern Conference rivals courtesy of a goalless draw against Columbus Crew at RFK Stadium.

The best chance for either side in the first half fell to the hosts just before the break when Fabian Espindola played in Chris Rolfe, but his subsequent effort was narrowly wide of goal.

After the interval, Jairo Arietta's rasping shot had beaten Bill Hamid, but the ball was just wide of the post.

Hamid then kept his side on terms by denying a Bernardo Anor effort as the hosts were in danger of being overrun by the Crew.

Columbus keeper Steve Clark had to be alert midway through the second half as Davy Arnaud nodded the ball into the path of Bobby Boswell, only for the midfielder's attempt to drift wide.

Adam Bedell went close to a late winner for the Crew when his shot was stopped by Hamid, but it was the hosts that had the best chance of victory in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty for Anor's handball.

However, Espindola couldn't put away his spot kick and United were forced to settle for a point that keeps them third.