D.C. United battled against Columbus Crew away from home at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, ultimately falling 3-0. Despite the result, the Black-and-Red continued to create attacking opportunities throughout the match, recording nine total shots and 13 touches inside the opponents box. D.C. United maintained 39% possession and generated 1.10 expected goals, showcasing their ability to create scoring chances against a strong Columbus defense.
The Black-and-Red lined up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of goalkeeper Alex Bono, with a back four of defenders Keisuke Kurokawa, Kye Rowles, Captain Lucas Bartlett, and Silvan Hefti. Midfielders Jared Stroud, Andre Dozzell, Matti Peltola, and Kimito Nono lined up behind forwards João Peglow and Nathan Ordaz, who led the attack.
Columbus Crew took an early lead in the 16th minute when defender Sean Zawadzki connected on a set-piece delivery from midfielder Dylan Chambost, heading the ball into the back of the net to put the home side ahead 1-0. D.C. United looked to respond and was awarded a penalty kick following a VAR review in the 24th minute. Defender Keisuke Kurokawa stepped up to take the penalty but sent his attempt wide of the goal, keeping Columbus in the lead. The Black-and-Red continued to push forward, with midfielders João Peglow and Andre Dozzell creating opportunities in the attacking third. However, Columbus extended its lead in the 41st minute when forward Anass Zaroury found the back of the net, sending D.C. United into halftime trailing 2-0.
D.C. United came out of halftime looking to cut into the deficit, making an attacking adjustment by bringing on Homegrown forward Oscar Avilez for midfielder Jared Stroud. Avilez made an immediate impact, registering a shot on target in the opening minutes of the second half as the Black-and-Red looked to build momentum. Columbus extended its lead in the 61st minute following an own goal by midfielder Kimito Nono, giving the home side a 3-0 advantage. Despite the setback, D.C. United continued to make adjustments and work the ball into the attacking third, looking for opportunities to get on the scoresheet. The Black-and-Red maintained their offensive efforts throughout the second half but were unable to break through the Columbus defense.
Throughout the closing minutes of the match, D.C. United maintained its offensive efforts, applying pressure in search of a late goal. The Black-and-Red finished with nine total shots, including four on target, and recorded 13 touches inside the Columbus penalty area. D.C. United also earned four corner kicks and maintained an 88% passing accuracy throughout the match. Despite generating opportunities in the attacking third, the Black-and-Red were unable to capitalize before the final whistle, resulting in a 3-0 defeat on the road against Columbus Crew.
The Black-and-Red saw strong individual performances on both sides of the ball, with midfielder Matti Peltola and defender Kye Rowles making key contributions defensively. Peltola recorded six defensive contributions across 90 minutes played, while Rowles added seven in 70 minutes of action. On the attacking end, midfielder João Peglow provided an offensive presence for D.C. United, finishing the match with a 100% shot accuracy rate and creating one chance in 90 minutes played.
D.C. United are now 7-14-12 with 33 points and sit 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Black-and-Red is 33-37-14 against Columbus Crew all-time in regular season matchups including 9-24-8 on the road. D.C. United return to action on Saturday, November 7th, when the Black-and-Red are back at home to face New York City FC at Audi Field. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET.
Columbus Crew Lineup:Â Patrick Schulte, Mohamed Farsi (Andres Herrera 71'), Sean Zawadzki, Steven Moreira (Eric Bailly 84'), Malte Amundsen, Dylan Chambost, Sekou Bangoura (Tarun Karumanchi 71'), Taha Habroune, Anass Zaroury, Santiago Rodriguez (Lautaro Giaccone 74'), Gonzalo Tapia (Josef Martinez 71')
Unused Substitutes:Â Nicholas Hagen, Brooks Lennon, Cesar Ruvalcaba, Jamal Thiare
Head Coach:Â Laurent Courtois
D.C. United Lineup:Â Alex Bono, Silvan Hefti (Nikola Markovic 84'), Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles (Sean Nealis 70'), Keisuke Kurokawa, Matti Peltola, Andre Dozzell, Kimito Nono, Jared Stroud (Oscar Avilez 46'), Joao Peglow, Nathan Ordaz (Brandon Servania 60')
Unused Substitutes:Â Jordan Farr, Conner Antley, Jackson Hopkins, Kamil Castillo, Gavin Turner
Head Coach: René Weiler
