In their third match in 8 days, United were unable to sustain their scoring streak, falling to Columbus Crew SC 2-0 at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday night. After netting four goals against San Jose last weekend and another three at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, the Black-and-Red couldn't overcome their early deficit in Ohio.
The Crew came out of the gates fiery knowing they could clinch a playoff spot with a win. The Black-and-Red back line stood strong against Columbus' waves of attack in the first 10 minutes, though, absorbing pressure but remaining organized. While it looked like the Crew would seize the lead in the 11th minute as Steve Clark faced Ola Kamara 1v1, Clark came up with a huge save to keep the score level.
With the pressure still on D.C.'s defensive third, Columbus broke through in the 14th minute and carried their 1-0 lead into the second half. United started finding more opportunities in front of goal as the match carried on, but the Crew scored their second of the night in the 56th minute, forcing the Black-and-Red to take more chances on the attack. While D.C. continued to fight, the attack was unable to find the same rhythm they enjoyed earlier in the week, leaving the match to end 2-0.
United return to action in Portland against the Timbers on Sunday, October 15 following the upcoming weekend's FIFA international break. The Black-and-Red's match against Portland is their last road game of the season before returning to D.C. for their RFK finale against the Red Bulls.
