Eddie Johnson’s goal in 84th minute sends United to 1-1 draw with Impact

WASHINGTON – Eddie Johnson scored in the 84th minute to lift D.C. United to a 1-1 draw with the Montreal Impact on Saturday.

Johnson — who was recently left off U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s 30-man preliminary World Cup roster — scored his first goal of the season after heading home a cross from Fabian Espindola. It was Johnson’s first goal since moving over from the Seattle Sounders in the off-season.

D.C. United is 4-3-3 on the season, having not lost at home since the season opener against Columbus on March 8.

Montreal (1-5-4) took the lead in the 56th minute on Jack McInerney’s second goal of the season.

McInerney was able to easily slot the ball into the back of the net from inside the 6-yard box after teammate Justin Mapp dribbled down the left side and drew United defenders before passing it to the centre from the end line.

Montreal — which remains in last place in the Eastern Conference — has failed to win on the road this season in five attempts (0-3-2) and has never won at RFK Stadium in four previous meetings with United.

United nearly opened up the scoring early when Espindola found Johnson in the box, but the forward’s flicked attempt toward the goal got past Montreal goalie Troy Perkins only to bounce off the crossbar. Perkins finished with three saves.

Montreal also nearly opened the scoring in the first half, but was held at bay by United goalie Bill Hamid.

Sanna Nyassi’s point blank shot in the 40th minute was stopped by Hamid. Then just a minute later, the Impact midfielder and Gambia native was again denied by Hamid — this time from long range. Hamid finished with five saves.

Before Johnson’s tying goal, second-half substitute Luis Silva produced United’s best chance in the second half when his shot from outside the box struck the crossbar in the 73rd minute.