Despite United’s stirring reply — two goals by Ulises Segura and an 81st-minute header by Luciano Acosta — this outcome will go down as a major disappointment. Aiming to complete the first half of the schedule this week with two victories, D.C. (7-4-5) stumbled in the dying moments.

“When you concede late,” captain Wayne Rooney said, “it feels like defeat.”

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It did yield a point and kept United a point ahead of Philadelphia and two in front of Montreal. However, the draw also dropped United to 0-1-3 in the past four matches.

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“Anytime you put yourself in that scenario at home,” Coach Ben Olsen said, “you’d like to think we have enough to see that game out and get all three” points.

Three points were waiting, but in the second of five added minutes, Francisco Calvo got to Bastian Schweinsteiger’s clever flick an instant before goalkeeper Bill Hamid and nodded it into the open net.

Segura had led United’s charge with goals in the 44th and 61st minutes. Later, on his second magnificent assist of the night, Leonardo Jara swung a cross to the edge of the six-yard box. The 5-foot-3 Acosta used an inside move to dismiss Przemyslaw Frankowski and score on a header for his fourth goal of the season.

But then ...

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“It was good we were able to respond and get that lead,” Segura said through an interpreter. “We just have to be careful with the lead.”

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The result came on a night United defender Chris Odoi-Atsem made his first regular season appearance since his return from cancer treatments. He started at left back and played 68 minutes before leaving to a standing ovation.

“Emotionally, I tried to keep it in check before the game,” the former DeMatha and University of Maryland standout said. “Physically, I felt good. Tired, as expected.”

It had been a long road back from chemotherapy to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He returned to competitive play this month with D.C.'s second-division squad, Loudoun United, and started against Spain’s Real Betis last week.

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His previous regular season appearance came in March 2018, his previous start in September 2017 against the Fire.

Chicago (4-5-6) scored in the 12th and 14th minutes.

First, Nicolas Gaitan whipped in a 30-yard free kick. C.J. Sapong beat Rooney to the ball for an eight-yard header.

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Then, Djordje Mihailovic’s one-timer from 28 yards caromed off Junior Moreno and bounded behind the committed Hamid.

If not for Hamid, United would have been embarrassed before the 30-minute mark. He made outstanding foot saves on Sapong and Aleksandar Katai.

Late in the half, United came to life, halving the deficit on Segura’s first goal and seemingly tying it on Lucas Rodriguez’s effort.

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On the first one, Rooney pounced on a stray ball and rumbled into space before leading Segura with a pass in stride. The Costa Rican’s low, clean finish beat Kenneth Kronholm.

Moments later, crisp combination work culminated with Rooney’s through ball to Rodriguez, sandwiched by two defenders and the charging goalie. After Kronholm bobbled the initial bid, the Argentine scored into a clear net. However, video replay confirmed he knocked the ball forward with his arm before scoring.

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Intermission did not stem United’s momentum. After several threats, D.C. drew even when Jara delivered an brilliant long ball along the right flank to Segura, who tucked an angled effort into the far corner with perfect placement.

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United went ahead on Acosta’s goal, then cracked.

“It shows you can’t switch off,” Rooney said. “It shows great character to get back from two goals to take the lead. It needs to be there till the end.”

Notes: Moreno was named to Venezuela’s Copa America roster and will report to training camp Sunday. He’ll be away for several weeks. Arriola is expected to receive a U.S. call-up for Concacaf Gold Cup preparations. After Saturday, United does not have another league match until June 25. . . .