Impressive Blanco tally highlights Fire's victory

WASHINGTON -- Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored a goal worthy of his stellar reputation, a 30-yard blast in the second half Thursday night as the Fire beat slumping D.C. United 2-0 to move into first place in the Eastern Conference.

The Mexican star received the ball at the edge of the midfield circle and had open space for a run that ended with a left-footed drive that found the upper right of the net in the 62nd minute.

It was the third goal of the season for Blanco, the Fire captain who is second to David Beckham in salary and international star-power in MLS.

Under his leadership, the Fire is off to the best seven-game start (5-1-1) in franchise history.

Justin Mapp scored in the 38th minute for the Fire, which recorded it second straight shutout and fourth of the season.

The Fire has allowed a league-low three goals and is 3-0-1 on the road.

United's story is just the reverse.

It was blanked for the second time in a row and the fourth time this season.

All the United has to show for an expensive off-season roster overhaul is a last-place spot in the East standings and its worst seven-game start (2-5-0) since 2003.

Playing without midfielder Marcelo Gallardo (strained groin), midfielder Fred (strained hamstring) and midfielder Devon McTavish (sprained foot), United failed to put a shot on goal in the first half and had only two for the game.

United's defense was spotty on Mapp's goal in the first half.

After Chris Rolfe crossed to a well-marked Chad Barrett, Barrett simply played the ball over to Mapp, who had plenty of room in the middle of the box to place a left-footed shot to goalkeeper Zach Wells' right from 14 yards.