Both teams started the match “on fire” in Saturdays match between D.C. United and the Columbus Crew, and it had nothing to do with what was going on on the field.
A speaker malfunction sparked a fire in the Crew Stadium scoreboard before the match that delayed the opening kick for almost an hour. Columbus scored early and often and never allowed D.C. to feel comfortable, tallying three in the first 45 and winning 3-0 on the night.
Last place United traveled to Columbus desperately needing a win to turn their season around, but early defensive mishaps were enough to bury D.C. for the sixth time this season.
Crew striker Jairo Arrieta took the ball from a poor header back to the keeper by D.C. and had his initial effort cleared by the United backline. The resulting ball fell to Eddie Gaven, whose cross was picked up by Arrieta and the Costa Rican put it to the boot of Dominic Oduro in the 15th minute.
11 minutes later Columbus doubled their advantage on a volley from defender Josh Williams. Keeper Bill Hamid got a hand to the ball, but it wasn’t enough to redirect it clear of goal. A third came for Columbus in the 45th after defender Brandon McDonald fouled Jairo Arrieta in the area and captain Federico Higuain rocketed the penalty top shelf to send D.C. to the locker room down 3-0. Perry Kitchen had the closest chance for D.C. in the first half when his 23rd minute header found the back of the net but was waved off by the official. Midfielder Kyle Porter too had a close chance in the 32nd, but his long range blast cannoned off the woodwork and was cleared by Columbus. Only a few half chances were created in the second half and when the full time whistle blew the score remained at 3-0.
It was a weak performance all around by United, looking almost porous at times on defense and never creating enough chances to beat Andy Gruenebaum and put themselves in the game with a goal. With the loss D.C. remains in last place in the Eastern Conference, having only earned four points on the year through eight matches.
Next up United will head home to host the Houston Dynamo on May 8 at 7:00 p.m.
