D.C. United maintained their tie atop the Eastern Conference as they defeated Columbus Crew SC 3-1 at Audi Field on Saturday.
The victory not only helps D.C. stay level on points with the Philadelphia Union at the top of the East, but it also snapped a three-game winless run at home for Ben Olsen's squad.
After a tense opening 20 minutes, Pedro Santos thought he fired Columbus into the lead in the 22nd minute, but the goal was called back after Video Review for an apparent foul in the buildup by Wil Trapp. Five minutes later, D.C. United took the lead themselves through Luciano Acosta, indirectly off a Wayne Rooney free kick.
In first-half stoppage time, another Video Review helped determine a penalty for a handball in Columbus' box by Trapp. Rooney converted the spot kick to double United's lead at the break.
Paul Arriola added to the lead in the second half, with a deflected effort teed up favorably in the box just after the hour mark to make it 3-0.
The Crew got a lifeline in the 75th minute, as D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid spilled a corner kick into his own net to make it 3-1. But United maintained their advantage to see out the victory.
Goals
- 27' – DC – Luciano Acosta | WATCH
- 45+4' – DC – Wayne Rooney (PK) | WATCH
- 61' – DC – Paul Arriola | WATCH
- 75' – CLB – Bill Hamid (OG) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: D.C. had been wobbling a bit of late, but two wins over the Crew in recent weeks appears to have righted their trajectory. The picture is not nearly as rosy for Columbus, however, who are now on a five-game losing streak, the second-longest current losing run in the league right now.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: D.C. had the killer instinct and were good value for the win, but Santos' disallowed goal was the turning point, as a foul called on Trapp ahead of the strike is likely to be the talking point around this game.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: United right wingback Leonardo Jara put in a terrific shift, helping to keep Columbus' attack at bay while chipping in with an assist for the home side.
Next Up
- DC: Sunday, May 12 vs. Sporting KC (7 pm ET | FS1 — Full TV & streaming info)
- CLB: Wednesday, May 8 vs. LA Galaxy (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE — Full TV & streaming info)
