D.C. United has a thorn in their side, and that thorn is the Columbus Crew. The current fourth place team in the Eastern Conference, Columbus visits RFK Stadium for the first time in 2015, a stadium they haven’t experienced a loss in since October 20, 2012. In that game, D.C. needed an injury time goal from current Orlando City Soccer Club midfielder Lewis Neal to win the game. Since 2007, Columbus has dominated D.C. United 11-3-5, with all their losses coming in RFK Stadium. Here is how D.C. has fared against the Crew over the years:
2014: 2 ties, 1 loss
2013: 2 losses
2012: 2 wins, 1 loss
2011: 1 win, 1 loss
2010: 2 losses
2009: 1 win, 1 tie
2008: 2 losses
2007: 1 win, 2 losses
The Crew’s modern possession style does not seem to match D.C.’s defensive-minded one very well. This could spell disaster for the Black and Red this week as Columbus is currently in top form, scoring seven goals in their last two games, and unbeaten in four straight. However, D.C. is also currently on a 5 game unbeaten run, including a 2-1 win in Vancouver, the early surprise team of the season. Fabian Espindola’s return to the line-up was a big part of that win and could be a reason why D.C. may finally start getting some positive results against the Crew.
Here is a look at some of the tough games that D.C. has had against Columbus over the past few years:
October 2, 2011 at Crew Stadium – United’s slim playoff hopes remained alive as they traveled to face a Crew team headed for the playoffs, but mired in a six game win-less streak. D.C. took a 1-0 lead on a Daniel Woolard goal in the first half, only to give the goal back by scoring an own goal in the second half and eventually losing 2-1 on an Eddie Gaven strike. D.C. eventually missed the playoffs.
April 27, 2013 at Crew Stadium – The infamous score board fire game that delayed the start of the match by almost an hour. D.C. was already mired in a five game winless streak when this added distraction occurred. The red and black perhaps carried lingering effects from the fire distraction into the first half as they found themselves down 3-0 by halftime. They would go on to lose the game by that score and continue to spiral downwards the rest of the season on their way to the worst season in MLS history. Current D.C. United forward, Jairo Arrieta assisted on a goal and drew a penalty for Columbus in the game.
March 8, 2014 at RFK Stadium – The 2014 season opener pitted two teams looking to start fresh with plenty of changes. D.C. showed off a new roster, while Columbus’ makeover included a new head coach in Gregg Berhalter, marking his coaching debut. The results were similar, however, in the fact that Columbus dominated D.C. and won 3-0 on the backs of two familiar players, Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta. Ruining the season opener and dashing supporters hopes that 2014 would be a turnaround year, little did they know.
June 7, 2014 at FedEx Field – Part of a “Road to Brazil” double header that featured Spain v. El Salvador, D.C. hosted Columbus in front of over 50,000 fans. The teams were missing a few big pieces due to injuries, suspensions or World Cup call ups, however, D.C. made the most of it and almost pulled off a win, as Espindola missed a late game penalty to secure a 0-0 tie between the two rivals. Once again, D.C. could not take advantage and Columbus stole points on the road.
D.C. United fans and supporters seem to focus heavily on rivalries such as Atlantic Cup rivals New York Red Bulls or MLS Cup nemesis LA Galaxy. Perhaps the focus should be on those Red and Black killers, the Columbus Crew as well.
Main Photo: COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 19: Forward Ethan Finlay #13 of the Columbus Crew fights for the ball with defender Cristian Fernandez #3 of DC United during the second half of their game at Columbus Crew Stadium on April 19, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
