With the number of matches dwindling and the level of urgency high for teams chasing the playoffs, D.C. United took a big step toward solidifying their spot in the Eastern Conference postseason picture by beating visiting Columbus Crew SC 3-0 Wednesday night at RFK Stadium.
Following a scoreless first half, United's Lloyd Sam opened the scoring in the 71st minute, taking a pass from Luciano Acosta in the box and faking a turn to his right foot, then reversing and cracking a left-footed strike past Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark for the game-winner.
Substitute Lamar Neagle added an insurance goal in the 86th minute after Julian Büscher found him wide open in the box, reciprocating Neagle for his assist last match.
Neagle now has seven goals this season, tied for the United lead (three have come in five matches as a substitute). Álvaro Saborío added the final stamp on the match in the 90th , (assisted by Neagle) to seal the victory.
Bill Hamid was barely troubled all night and recorded two saves en route to his fifth shutout of the season. Most of Hamid's work came from commanding the box, collecting corners and crosses with ease, denying any chance for Columbus to take advantage.
Not only did the three points mean an immense amount for United in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoff race, it means Ben Olsen has reached another milestone recording his 50th victory as head coach at RFK. Olsen has United catching fire at the most important time of the season (quote). The Black-and-Red now head to Toronto riding a four-game unbeaten streak and have scored multiple goals six games in a row.
"I think the momentum is good right now," Hamid said. "We got a good performance against Orlando, that’s a good showing at home, and we just wanted to piggyback off of that and continue the form. "
