D.C. United 0, Columbus Crew SC 2 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Colin Stephenson

Three games into the 2017 season, the drought continues for D.C. United, which was blanked again in a 2-0 loss to visiting Columbus Crew SC at RFK Stadium on Saturday. United (0-2-1) have yet to score a goal this season.

Both Columbus goals came via penalty. Federico Higuain's 38th minute spot kick opened the scoring and Ola Kamara added another in the 66th to lift Crew SC (1-1-1) to their first win of the season. Both penalties came as a result of fouls by United's Steve Birnbaum against Kamara in the box.

Goals

38' – CLB – Federico Higuain (PK) Watch
66' – CLB – Ola Kamara (PK) Watch

Three Things

WELCOME BACK: Luciano Acosta missed the first two games of the season for D.C. with an ankle injury and was a welcome addition to the lineup. He played well and created chances in his 75 minutes, but alas, was unable to get United its first goal of the season. Maybe next time he'll play the full 90.

WELCOME TO MLS:Alex Crognale, a Homegrown defender for Crew SC, made his debut and went the full 90 in the back three for Columbus. Crognale, wearing No. 21, played well and made one tackle in particular in the 35th minute to dispossess Lloyd Sam in the 18-yard box, while not giving away a penalty. His work helped Columbus register a clean sheet.

GUESSING RIGHT IS HALF THE BATTLE:
Goalkeeper
Bill Hamid
guessed correctly on both penalties and came close to stopping both. Close wasn't good enough, however.