D.C. United vs Columbus Crew: Key Moments
D.C. United picked up three important points at home as they scored two late goals in the second half to secure a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew.
D.C. United picked up their first back-to-wins of the season after they earned a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew. The massive three points United picked up creates some space for them above the red line. They are battling for a playoff spot and are in the sixth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Crew were hoping to get a win and pick up points as they attempt to make a late season postseason push. The loss now has them eight points back of the final spot with only four matches left in their 2016 campaign. While D.C. got what they needed in this one, Columbus struggled mightily and the MLS Cup runner-ups from last year dug themselves a deeper hole.
With the win, D.C. United are now 9W-9L-13D on the season with 40 total points. They are now four points ahead of the New England Revolution for the final playoff spot in the East. Columbus are now 7W-12L-11D on the year with 32 points and are the second worst team in the East.
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Reaction Save Keeps Columbus Level
Crew goalkeeper, Steve Clark, made a huge save in the 31′ minute to keep things level in the first half. His quick reaction save kept D.C. off of the scoresheet after a great cross from Lloyd Sam found Patrick Mullins just feet away from goal. The free header was directed towards the net but Clark’s quick reactions cleared the ball off of the line.
Lloyd Sam Finds the Breakthrough
United were threatening all night but they finally found a breakthrough in the 71′ minute when Lloyd Sam got on the scoresheet. The home team took a 1-0 lead after Luciano Acosta played a great ball to Sam in the penalty box. Lloyd used his strength well to control the ball and his left footed shot found the back of the net for his third goal of the season.
D.C. United Put the Game Away
DCU put the game away late in the second half the they scored two goals in the final minutes of the second 45′. Some great passing from United coupled with poor defending from Columbus allowed Lamar Neagle to get an open shot on goal in the 86′ minute to put D.C. up 2-0. It was his seventh goal of the season and it came at the perfect time.
Alvaro Saborio secured the full three points in the 90′ minute when he easily scored his fifth goal of the year. A great run and pass from Neagle led to the simple finish from the United striker. The late goals secured the win for D.C. in this one.
In their next match, D.C. United will be on the road when they travel north of the border to take on Toronto FC on Saturday, October 1st. It will be an important game for the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Columbus Crew will return home to face off against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, October 1st as well.