Star defender Felipe scored in the 69th minute to lead Brazilian club Vasco da Gama to a 1-0 victory over D.C. United of MLS in the first leg of the InterAmerican Cup at RFK Stadium. Against the run of play in the second half, Vasco scored on a counterattack. Guilherme took a quick ball from the flank and, while falling, sent a pass to the onrushing Felipe, who took a touch and hit a curling shot from 25 yards that beat D.C. keeper Tom Presthus inside his right post. D.C. had an excellent opportunity to take a lead into the half when Jaime Moreno and Richie Williams made fine passes to set up Roy Lassiter alone on the penalty spot, but the U.S. international’s low first-time shot was saved by Vasco keeper Carlos Germano. “Games like this in cup competition are not going to be high scoring games,” said D.C. coach Bruce Arena. “They’re going to be hard-fought contests and one goal makes a difference. I wouldn’t be critical of [Americans] not scoring goals against Brazilians — we had our chances. I’d be concerned if we couldn’t create any chances… I was very proud of our players. I thought they played well.” A season high 26,216 fans turned out for the match, which was Arena’s last home game as coach of D.C. “I think it was a great game for the fans and for our players,” he said. “We certainly need more of those games. I think experience was a factor tonight, but we had our chances. Give Vasco a lot of credit. Vasco da Gama technical director Antonio Lopes praised D.C.: “Even if we had tied, I think it would be a fair result… Their physical condition is very good. I was most impressed with their strength and height.” “It was humbling out there,” admitted D.C. midifelder Ben Olsen. “Going against a guy like Felipe who could do pretty much whatever he wanted to me was humbling. At the same time, after a while I started feeling that I could do some good things, and against a team like Vasco, that’s amazing.” The two teams will meet again in the second leg on Dec. 5 at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.