Wild finish keeps Fire alive

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Updated: November 17, 2011 9:05AM

WASHINGTON — Diego Chaves and Sebastian Grazzini scored in stoppage time, and the Fire beat D.C. United 2-1 on Saturday night to preserve its slim playoff hopes.

Chaves and Grazzini scored just minutes after Dwayne De Rosario put United in position for the victory with a 90th-minute penalty kick.

Gonzalo Segares clipped Santino Quaranta in the corner of the penalty area, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

De Rosario’s goal had the Fire on the brink of playoff elimination.

With the win, however, the Fire (8-9-16, 40 points) overtook D.C. United (9-12-11, 38 points) and sits three points shy of the New York Red Bulls for the 10th and final playoff spot.

The Fire still must win its last game and have the Red Bulls lose, plus make up a five-goal differential in the process to catch New York for the 10th and final spot.

Grazzini sparked the rally, taking a layoff feed from Segares and finishing past diving goalkeeper Bill Hamid from about 15 yards.

Segares then set up the game-winner, beating the offside trap to reach a ball on the left and cross to Chaves, who finished past a stranded Hamid.

AP