2012 MLS Standings: Union's Hopes Fading With DC United Tie

Philadelphia's hopes at qualifying for the MLS Cup playoffs for the second time in three seasons as a franchise are slim, and getting slimmer by the day following Sunday's draw against DC United.

United holds the fifth spot out of five for teams hoping to qualify for the playoffs with 37 points while the Union are a distant eighth with 24 points. With only 11 matches remaining on Philadelphia's schedule, they would have likely needed to earn wins in both of their games against DC to have a chance of catching up. Instead, the Union only earned a point and are now in desperation mode.

Also standing between the Union and a trip to the playoffs are the Montreal Impact (36 points) and Columbus Crew (30), meaning Philadelphia's footballers would need more than just one team to struggle in order to squeak into postseason play.

For more on the Union, check out Brotherly Game.

Union Vs. D.C. United Final Score: Philadelphia Holds On For 1-1 Draw In Wild Affair At RFK Stadium

The Philadelphia Union drew with D.C. United 1-1 on Sunday at RFK Stadium in a wild, card-filled match in the I-95 rivalry.

The Union struck first when Brian Carroll collected a loose ball in the penalty area in the eighth minute. Zac MacMath did his best to keep the Union's rally attempts off the board with several saves in the first half. The first half closed 1-0 in favor of the Union with two yellow cards also handed out: Sheanon Williams for time wasting (37th minute) and Michael Lahoud for a foul (44th minute).

The second half would see a tying goal in the 71st minute when Amobi Okugo accidentally directed a D.C. United free kick into his own net. United's Dwayne De Rosario had two chances to ice the match with a penalty kick in the 90th minute. De Rosario scored on the first attempt on a penalty kick but the goal was not allowed due to players entering the penalty area early. De Rosario sent his second kick over the crossbar and then the flood of cards occurred.

Williams was sent off in stoppage time for a foul which drew his second yellow card of the match. A total of six cards were shown from the 89th minute to the final whistle.

The match was a quiet one for Danny Cruz and Lionard Pajoy who were swapped from one team to the other just days before this match. Both players were subbed off in the 57th minute.

For more on the Union, check out Brotherly Game and SB Nation Philly.

Philadelphia Union Vs D.C. United: Preview, Game Time & TV Schedule

Philly traded forward Lionard Pajoy to D.C. for United midfielder Danny Cruz in the week leading up to their matchup in RFK Stadium.