Superliga: Monarcas Morelia draw DC United

Washington:

Diego Martinez scored in the 79th minute for Monarcas Morelia to draw DC United 1-1 in their opening match of the SuperLiga on Wednesday.

United had led for most of the game after midfielder Christian Gomez scored in the seventh minute.

The inaugural SuperLiga involves four Major League Soccer teams and four from the Mexican first division.

Gomez curled a free kick around a wall of defenders and inside the right post to give United a 1-0 lead.

Despite playing a man down for much of the second half, Morelia battled back against the four-time MLS Champion United. From the left wing, Morelia forward Adrian Aldrete found Martinez open outside the right edge of the penalty area. Controlling the cross, Martinez sent a shot past goalkeeper Troy Perkins into the left side of the goal.

Morelia forward Luis Landin was given a red card for shoving United defender Bobby Boswell. Landin reacted after being kicked by Boswell while the two tangled for the ball near midfield.

United's next SuperLiga game is Sunday against Club America, while Morelia will be at the Houston Dynamo.