Adu's free kick helps United tie

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Freddy Adu's delightful goal from a free kick was all an under-manned D.C. United could muster as it settled for a 1-1 tie with Real Salt Lake last night.

United (14-3-9, 51 points) obtained minimal payback over Real Salt Lake (9-12-6, 33 points), the team that ended United's 14-game unbeaten streak in July with two late penalties in a controversial game that left both teams' coaches trading barbs. Still, considering the weakened team United had to field, the tie was probably the best the 19,812 fans at RFK Stadium could have expected.

Adu's contribution in 26 games is now two goals and six assists -- not exactly inspiring numbers from the club's highest-paid player -- but the 17-year-old's well-taken goal earned a precious point against the worst defense in the league.

"We didn't win," Adu said. "It's all about the team. Obviously [scoring the goal] helps your confidence and hopefully when you score like that the flood gates open and you are able to score more goals, but at the end of the day we didn't win and I can't tell you how disappointed I am."

United went into the game missing five key starters, including MLS Player of the Week Christian Gomez (10 goals, 9 assists). Four of the missing players -- Gomez, defender Bobby Boswell, forward Alecko Eskandarian and defender Josh Gros -- were suspended.

United had five changes in its lineup from Sunday's 2-1 win at Chivas USA. Coach Peter Nowak gave midfielders Rod Dyachenko and Stephen deRoux, a Prince George's County product, their first MLS starts. It was the High Point High School graduate's first appearance in an MLS game.

Defender Brandon Prideaux made his sixth start and Matias Donnet made his first MLS start since joining the club last month. The biggest surprise was Nick Rimando, who started in goal in place of Troy Perkins, the league's top goalie. Team officials said Perkins was given the day off to rest.

The speedy deRoux made a good early impression with some feisty runs on the left flank and two decent attempts at goal in the first 15 minutes.

In the 24th minute, Donnet made a fancy back-heel to Adu, who curled a nice shot just wide of the goal. Later, Donnet's powerful long-range attempt went just outside the far post. At the other end of the field, Salt Lake's Andy Williams fired a shot just over the United goal.

DeRoux and Adu combined together well at times but United could not break down the Salt Lake defense, which has given up 40 goals.