Chris Birchall's 46th minute goal sent D.C. United to a second straight loss as the Columbus Crew defeated the Black-And-Red 1-0 Saturday night in Ohio's capital.
Birchall scored by latching on to a through ball along the left channel from Jairo Arrieta. With Joe Willis rushing out to cut down the angle, the former Los Angeles Galaxy player beat the United keeper low to Willis' right for the only goal of the game.
United (10-7-3, 33 points) had chances to equalize, but Dwayne De Rosario's 50th-minute goal was ruled out for offside (as had happened to an apparent Columbus goal during the first half). Additionally, United defender Chris Korb had a shot hit the post in the 88th minute that helped seal the visiting side's fate.
D.C. United step away from MLS play next Saturday to play a friendly against French club Paris Saint-Germain. On Saturday, August 4, United resumes MLS play with a return match against Columbus (7-7-4, 25 points).
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