Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored the lone goal after a mistake by D.C. United rookie goalie Bill Hamid and the Columbus Crew won 1-0 on Saturday night in Major League Soccer at RFK Stadium.
Columbus (13-5-5) pulled level with the Los Angeles Galaxy for the best record in league. Both teams have identical records after 23 games. The Crew have won the Supporters' Shield - given to the team with the best regular-season record - the last two seasons.
United (4-16-3) was shut out for the 15th time this year, tying Toronto FC for the MLS single-season record. United lost to Columbus on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, 2-1, in extra time and failed to rebound in league play.
Columbus took the lead in the 23rd minute when Hamid misplayed a back pass and allowed Schelotto to score one of the easiest goals of his career. Hamid made a poor first touch and the ball popped into the air, forcing the young goalie to try to and half-volley the ball out of danger.
Hamid whiffed on the ball and Schelotto, who pressured the United goalkeeper, easily slotted the loose ball into an empty net to add to D.C.'s frustrations.
United showed little life in the game, as it did not even have a shot on goal. Columbus also didn't show much, as it had just two shots on goal, but the Crew escaped with another result three days after a miraculous Open Cup win.
Columbus used an own goal in the 89th minute of Wednesday's Open Cup match to force extra time, then Schelotto converted a penalty in the first added period to send the club into the final against Seattle Sounders FC.
Columbus visits L.A. on Sept. 11 as the top two teams in MLS clash. D.C. heads to Toronto FC on Sept. 11, hoping for a spark for the remainder of the season.