WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Mutiny and D.C. United played to a 2-2 tie Wednesday night, dealing another blow to United's faint playoff hopes.

All four goals were scored in the first half.

Steve Trittschuh and Steve Ralston scored for the Mutiny (11-9-1), who moved into sole possession of first place in the Central Division. Raul Diaz Arce and Jaime Moreno netted for United, the three-time champs who fell to an MLS-worst 4-13-6.

United coach Thomas Rongen said before the game he feels his team needed to win seven of its last 10 games, including the game against Tampa.

Despite missing five starters, United outplayed the Mutiny but couldn't convert enough scoring chances to make up for two defensive mistakes that led to goals.

The Mutiny took the lead in the 16th minute when John Maessner's right cross was headed at the far post by Trittschuh. Goalkeeper Mark Simpson misread the play and the ball hit his arm from close range and went in.

But, for the first time in many weeks, D.C. United's offense worked the way it's supposed to. United tied the score in the 23rd when Moreno played a long ball ahead to Diaz Arce, who beat goalkeeper Scott Garlick by striking his right-footer just inside the far post from 12 yards.

Moreno and Diaz Arce worked their magic again seven minutes later on a give-and-go at the top of the box. Diaz Arce one-touched the ball back to Moreno, who scored his 10th goal of the season from 12 yards.

But Tampa Bay scored a minute later when Ralston outran David Hayes down the right side to chase down a pass from Mamadou Diallo. With only Simpson left to beat, Ralston tapped in his shot from 12 yards.

Diaz Arce was denied a second goal in the 31st when defenseman Chad McCarty made a kick save on the goal line. Seventeen-year-old Bobby Convey was denied his first MLS goal on a nice arm save by Garlick in first-half injury time.

Diallo put a header off the post in the 51st minute, but United otherwise controlled the second half. A.J. Wood put a shot off the crossbar, and Garlick made a diving save off Diaz Arce in the 79th.

United started its 23rd different lineup in 23 league games this season. They were missing injured players Jeff Agoos, Ben Olsen, Clint Peay, Antonio Otero and Judah Cooks. Richie Williams and Carlos Llamosa were suspended for yellow card accumulations, and Eddie Pope is preparing for World Cup qualifying with the U.S. national team.