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.