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Pontius propels D.C. United to win over Crew

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In DC United's first league match since the MLS All-Star Game, Chris Pontius showed why he was chosen as All-Star MVP of that dramtic win over Chelsea almost two weeks ago.

Pontius pounced on a rebound and scored in the 49th minute of a key Eastern Conference showdown between DC United and the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, and United ended up holding on to earn a 1-0 win in front of 14,640 fans at RFK Stadium.

While DC enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, neither team was able to create any real chances, save for a missed header by the Crew's Josh Williams on a 39th-minute corner.

Moments into the second half, DC United rookie Nick DeLeon earned himself space on the right flank and sent a cross into striker Long Tan. Tan's backheel attempt was saved by Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, but Pontius was there for the rebound, and he slotted it home to put United up 1-0.

Columbus were mostly listless for the rest of the second half, and DC United held on for the 1-0 win. It avenged a 1-0 Columbus win over United from two weeks ago, and it meant that DC are now only two points behind the New York Red Bulls for third place in the East, and only four points behind the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City for first place. DC United also has two games in hand on New York, Houston, and Kansas City.

Here are the match highlights:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92DJBuYtT9I]

What are your thoughts on DC United's 1-0 win over Columbus? Can Pontius keep this strong run of form going? Will Columbus continue to struggle, or will they rebound and start moving up the Eastern Conference standings?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Pontius is a likely choice for a call up. His best position is at forward but he can also play outside mid (that was the role he was in against Columbus). And the biggest change in his game this year has been his defensive workrate. So a versatile player who has an all-around game and is in-form…he’s got a lot going for him.

    It wouldn’t surprise me if DeLeon got called up in January but only if he continues to be more assertive on the field. Early in the season, he was forcing play, pushing things rather than waiting for the game to come to him…and he’s simply a much better player when he does try to force things rather than play more passively and patiently.

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  2. I think it kind of depends on who comes from Europe. I assume Klins is deep in negotiations with clubs as we speak.

    I’d say Herc is the one lock at F, given that he plays in Mexico. If Jozy and Boyd come over, might be tough to get in. Could still see Herc/Wondo/Pontius as the picks for this one.

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  3. I will be absolutely shocked if Pontius is not called in for the friendly against Mexico.

    I will also be shocked if DeLeon isn’t called up in January for Camp Cupcake.

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