+2
With time running out in the 2011 MLS season, D.C. United dropped two games this weak to conference rivals.
In a critical match for both teams, and with both teams missing some key players, DC United has entered the locker room at halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The Columbus Crew had the majority of shots and majority of possession in the first half, but the D.C. defense did well to force difficult shots from the Crew, and Bill Hamid did well to keep those numerous shots out of the net.
Fortunately for United, the same cannot be said for Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer. Dwayne De Rosario struck a free kick from just inside the attacking half and Daniel Woolard shocked the world by putting it away. Woolard was unmarked in the box and finished the attempt simply with his left foot. It was Woolard's first goal for United, and just his second career goal (he scored once as a member of the Chicago Fire in 2008).
United will be able to leap above the Crew in the standings and into third place in the East, a guaranteed playoff spot, if they can hold on for the win in the second half.
Not for the first time this season, D.C. United missed a chance to solidify their spot in the MLS playoff places on Thursday night. After being down 2-0, United rallied to tie the match 2-2 at halftime, only to give up a second-half goal and fall 3-2 to the Philadelphia Union. So United remain on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, and are still looking for their first winning streak of the season as they travel to Columbus to face the Crew, who are winless in their last six matches and are feeling their grip on a top-three place in the Eastern Conference start to slip away.
D.C. United at Columbus Crew
When: 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 2.
Where: Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
TV: CSN+ (Check what channel that is here)
Team News and Tactics
D.C. United: The Black-and-Red's depth will be tested to the full on Sunday. Center-back Brandon McDonald will miss this match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season Thursday night. Who will replace him is an open question. D.C. United would like to have Dejan Jakovic be able to provide cover at center-back, but Jakovic's hamstring injury is still very much touch-and-go. If Jakovic can't go, another candidate to take McDonald's place is Perry Kitchen, who has mostly been deployed as a right back this season. If Kitchen is called upon, look for Chris Korb to slide into the right back position. Daniel Woolard or Marc Burch could also be called on to fill out United's makeshift back line (White himself is listed as questionable with an MCL strain).
Elsewhere, Charlie Davies resumed training after struggling with a stomach virus this week, but don't be surprised if he starts on the substitutes bench Sunday. Davies, you will remember, scored two goals in the season opener between these two teams on March 19 at RFK. Dwayne De Rosario was subbed off with a knee contusion on Thursday night. He's listed as probable, but don't expect him to go the full 90 even if he does play (not a guarantee by any stretch).
Columbus Crew: Robbie Rogers is listed as being out with a hamstring strain. In happier news for Columbus, midfielder Danny O'Rourke is expected to play after resting his left knee during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. Defender Chad Marshall is also likely to play despite suffering from a left ankle sprain. But the biggest returning piece for Columbus could be Eddie Gaven, who's missed the previous five games with a right leg contusion but is expected to see action Sunday.
D.C. United Vs. Columbus Crew: 2 Second Half Goals Give Victory To Crew
DC United had a chance to take control of the MLS playoff race this week with road matches against the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew. Two single-goal losses though could prove fatal to United's playoff hopes. United gave away their first half lead and fell 2-1 today to the Crew.
After scoring his first goal in three years in the first half, Daniel Woolard found his name in the headlines once again, but not for good reason this time. An unfortunately failed clearance from Woolard wound up in the back of Bill Hamid's net, resulting in an own goal, and tying the score at 1-1.
The makeshift backline of D.C. just couldn't withstand the extended pressure from the Crew. Fatigue may have played a role for United as Crew defender Sebastian Miranda raced past Santino Quaranta and Marc Burch on the right sideline and sent in a cross to a diving Eddie Gaven. The veteran midfielder put it away to give Columbus a 2-1 lead.
In the dying minutes of the match, a shot from Andy Najar hit the crossbar and the game ended with the Crew in front.
United will return to action on Wednesday against the Vancouver Whitecaps in their brand new stadium BC Place.
Oct 02 6:09p by Martin Shatzer