It marked the first time in MLS’s 21-year history that a team won consecutive 1-0 matches on own goals. D.C. was the beneficiary Saturday at Colorado on a howler of a back pass.

And in a year in which most everything has gone wrong, D.C. is beginning to see things swing in its favor.

Truth be told, Ben Olsen’s gang (7-15-4) was the superior side and fully deserved the three points in completing a three-match sweep of playoff-contending Atlanta (10-8-5). D.C. claimed nine points against Atlanta; it has 16 in 23 matches against the rest of the league.

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For the first time since April, United has won consecutive matches. And in the process, it has kept alive dimming postseason hopes.

“The group definitely believes we can still do something this year,” defender Kofi Opare said. “Judging by the last few weeks, this group has shown it has the ability to compete with the best teams in this league. We still believe, yeah.”

Except for the first 10 minutes, D.C. was the smarter, more organized and more tenacious team. Atlanta had 15 shots but only two on target. Bill Hamid made one sweet save in the first half but, aside from a redirected bid that slid wide in second-half stoppage time, Atlanta didn’t seriously threaten.

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“Overall, a really good selfless performance from the group,” Olsen said. “Across the board, we made a lot of little plays that we have not been making consistently throughout the year — little gutsy plays. … That’s what I am most proud about.”

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With Steve Birnbaum sidelined with a concussion, Jalen Robinson made his second start of the season by joining Opare in the heart of the backline. The task was formidable: Atlanta, featuring a lethal attack, had not lost since an RFK visit two months ago, a stretch of six league matches (4-0-2).

Both goalkeepers faced mild tests early in the match, but as the half wore on, D.C. was the greater threat. Russell Canouse’s sublime pass with the outside of his foot liberated Luciano Acosta for a low bid that skimmed wide and Atlanta’s Brad Guzan disrupted Lloyd Sam deep in the box.

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The hosts bustled with energy and ambition after the break, needing just under a minute to take the lead.

Canouse’s 25-yard rip forced Guzan into a flying save. Sam tracked the rebound on the far side and crossed back to Canouse for a header into the congested six-yard box. The ball caromed off Parkhurst and floated into the net.

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Early this season in Atlanta, Parkhurst had an own goal in a 3-1 defeat to D.C.

With the lead Wednesday, United did not make any critical mistakes and defused trouble with stout defensive work and breakouts from its own end.

“The way the season has been, the last couple of games we’ve been going in the right direction,” defender Chris Korb said. “It’s a little late, but it’s coming together.”

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At the end of the match, Atlanta Coach Gerardo Martino refused to shake Olsen’s hand and the two exchanged gestures. The apparent issue was a foul late in the match.

Asked why the customary handshake didn’t take place, Olsen said: “I’m not sure, but I apologize for whatever I did. I’m sure I did something. It wouldn’t be the first time.”