WASHINGTON, CMC:

Jamaica Premier League side Waterhouse FC suffered a setback when American Major League Soccer side DC United celebrated their return to the CONCACAF Champions League after a five-year absence with a 1-0 victory in a Group 4 match on Wednesday.

The Jamaicans failed to take advantage of lacklustre defending from the home team and had only themselves to blame when United States international striker Eddie Johnson scored the lone goal at RFK Stadium.

DC United dismantled the Waterhouse FC defence early when David Estrada ran down a long ball by Conor Shanosky on the right flank.

He beat Nicholy Finlayson and sent a short cross to Johnson, who found space on Evan Taylor and slammed the ball into the net past goalkeeper Richard McCallum from four yards in the fifth minute.

Still, Waterhouse had their chances to equalise, but DC United goalkeeper Joe Willis was solid in the net, helping his side to kick off their campaign successfully.

Jermaine Anderson was denied with a kick-save in the 16th minute, and Kenroy Howell was blocked from point-blank range in the 17th minute.

In the second half, Willis caught or knocked everything sent his way.He snared Taylor's 30-yard free kick in the 90th minute, and made a diving save to his left on Juvaune Benjamin's long-range blast two minutes into stoppage time.

Waterhouse FC will look to bounce back against Panama's Tauro at home on August 28, while United will have to wait until September 16 before its next match against Waterhouse in Kingston.