Washington, D.C. » Baby steps.

That's how Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis described getting the team's first point on the road Saturday, using a stout defensive effort to shut down D.C. United in a 0-0 draw before 16,089 at RFK Stadium.

"Ties on the road are positive results, and for us right now, very, very positive, because we've got to crawl before we can walk, and walk before we can run," Kreis said. "This is a stepping point, a starting point for us, coming back from what has been an extremely difficult time on our guys."

It marks RSL's first point on the road in five matches, but continues a streak of 270 minutes without a goal, dating back to the 90th minute of its 2-2 tie against the L.A. Galaxy, as RSL (3-5-2) has not won since an April 25 6-0 win over New England, going 0-3-2 during that span.

A sturdy RSL defense, meanwhile, with goalkeeper Nick Rimando coming back from a finger injury to face his former club, held United (3-1-7) without a goal for the first time in 11 league matches.

"We were concentrating on defending," Rimando said, "and I think we packed it in and we frustrated them. At the end of the day, we had the better chances. We countered on them and got some good opportunities to score."

RSL dictated much of the play in the match, shutting down United's vaunted attack while forcing United goalkeeper Josh Wicks, with eight saves on the evening, into several quality stops. Kreis said the lack of goals does not concern him and said the team's focus should be on defending before solving the goal-scoring drought.

"I'm really not worried about it, to be honest with you," Kreis said. "I know that statistically everybody is concerned because we haven't scored a goal in now three games, but for me, it'll come."

RSL put eight shots on goal, including five in the first half, while limiting United to just one.

Robbie Findley had RSL's best chance of the first half in the 40th minute, as Kyle Beckerman put Findley through before Wicks came out to smother the shot attempt.

Beckerman tested Wicks with a 30-yard left footer in the 73rd minute, forcing the United goalkeeper to parry the shot over the bar. Off the ensuing corner kick, Wicks had to dive to his left to prevent Findley's header from going into the right corner.

United finally threatened late, as has been their norm this season, leading the league with seven goals in the last 15 minutes, including four after the 90th minute, but RSL held firm.

Rimando said getting the road point was satisfying.

"For the confidence alone, coming here, playing one of the best teams in the east, and getting a point is a pat on our back and the coaching staff," Rimando said.