Montreal Impact slipped up in the race for the MLS playoffs as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to bottom side DC United in their Eastern Conference clash.

The home side got off to a good start and could have been ahead in the 15th minute, but Dwayne De Rosario saw his volleyed effort saved by Troy Perkins.

United did get themselves in the lead in the 19th minute when Luis Silva picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and beat two men before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

They could have doubled their advantage just minutes later when Nick DeLeon latched onto a cross into the box and volleyed at goal, only for Perkins to pull off a great save.

After the break, Montreal levelled the game with a lovely attacking move as Jeb Brovsky found the net with a crisp low shot after exchanging passes with Davy Arnaud.

However, the Impact were pegged back as United regained the lead through Conor Doyle, who turned the ball in at the near post with a neat low finish after meeting James Riley's cross.

United sealed the win in added time when Montreal pushed everyone forward looking for an equaliser, allowing Doyle to break upfield and square a pass for Jared Jeffrey to tap the ball into the net.