WASHINGTON, USA, (CMC):

The speedy Jamaica international Dane Richards netted a late first-half goal for the New York Red Bulls but DC United outgunned them 5-3 in a high-scoring Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match on Wednesday night.

DC United shot into a 4-0 lead midway the first half and fended off a rally from the Red Bulls - that started with the Richards goal in the 44th minute - to secure the victory at RFK Stadium.

Chris Pontius netted a pair of goals in the win for DC United, who had Trinidad and Tobago international Avery John in their line-up.

United led after just eight minutes through Pontius and extended their advantage over the next 20 minutes through Thabiso Khumalo (18th), Brandon Barklage (21st) and Fred (26th).

Richards scored a minute before half-time when he collected a pass from John Wolyniec, fought off a challenge from United defender Greg Janicki and smashed a shot past Josh Wicks in goal.

The Red Bulls further reduced the deficit when Jorge Rojas scored in the 48th minute but Pontius made it 5-2 in the 52nd.

Rojas completed a brace in the 61st and New York were unable to complete the comeback.