Photo by Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports
By CLIFF STARKEY
WASHINGTON — The month of April was very kind to both D.C. United and Columbus Crew.
Both teams were undefeated through the last four weeks. Columbus’s attack has been scintillating. D.C. United started a season better than ever in franchise history.
For the Columbus Crew, April had to end sometime.
First half goals by Fabian Espindola and Sean Franklin gave D.C. United a 2-0 win Saturday night at RFK Stadium, where they now haven’t lost in sixteen consecutive games.
As expected, the Crew began the game on the front foot, hoping to ride the offensive wave the team had enjoyed over the last few weeks. However, D.C. United’s defense was up to the task, preventing Columbus’ attack from ever fully developing. Despite not seeing many clear opportunities on goal, Columbus did have a number of corner kick opportunities early on.
D.C. United had them right where they wanted them.
In the 15th minute, Chris Rolfe intercepted the Crew’s low corner and ran straight at the few defenders that Columbus didn’t send forward. As players caught up to him, Rolfe released Espindola behind the Crew defense and into a one-on-one with Steve Clark. Espindola put the opportunity away, giving him his second goal in his second game back from a lengthy suspension.
The goal was quick, and literally against the run of play, but Columbus continued to press forward. D.C. United sat back and waited for another counter attack opportunity.
Just before halftime, D.C. United scored from another corner kick, though this time on its attacking side. Clark and just about everybody misread the height of a speedy inswinging cross, allowing Franklin, alone on the back post, to dispatch easy tap in to give D.C. United a 2-0 lead.
Columbus continued to push forward in the second half. Despite a handful of half-chances, they never found a way through.
D.C. United’s defense dug in, and was bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Bill Hamid, making his first start since picking up a thigh injury last month.
With the win, D.C. United officially has the best start to the season in franchise history. Their seventeen points through eight games surpasses anything the four-time MLS Cup Champions have done before.
Next weekend, D.C. United will host Sporting Kansas City, while Columbus will return home against the visiting Seattle Sounders.
Ben Olsen, former team legend, at the helm.
Boy I wish we had that here in NY.
I really don’t understand the lack of support the team is getting from the fans given their success. I understand that RFK is a dump (I used to live in DC and went to a number of games), but who cares? The DC area is a hotbed for soccer and with the team playing so well where is everyone? There are plenty of cheap, empty seats to be had with good sight lines.
I just don’t get it.
DC United does nothing to promote the games. For people that are not there every week it can be very easy to forget that there is an MLS team in DC.
Franklin’ full volley doesn’t exactly equal an easy tap in, in my opinion.
Hahahaha love the picture
Great win for DC. How far can this team go?
The depth of DCU is impressive. To bad it wasn’t on display during the champions league.
This team can go as far as it wants to, and they could be adding a DP before this season is over.