2-1 Road Loss, Take 3

DC United suffered their third 2-1 road loss in a row last night (July 19) to the Columbus Crew.

Benteke, Bartlett, Herrera and Schnegg all returned to the starting lineup:

Barraza in goal

Schnegg, Rowles, Bartlett, Herrera in defense

Peglow, Enow, Pirani, Servania, Dodson in midfield

Benteke at forward

Subs: Badji for Benteke (62nd), Leal for Peglow (78th), Peltola for Enow (85th), Hopkins for Pirani (85th), Kijima for Dodson (85th)

DC played organized, tough defense for most of the first half, but in the 30th minute a

foul by Bartlett in the box led to a penalty scored by Columbus's Daniel Gazdag. Right before half, a back pass to Barraza was intercepted by Max Arfsten, but fortunately his shot went just wide. It was 1-0 at the half. DC had 3 shots (none on goal), only 44% of the possession, and no corner kicks.

DC played better to start the second half, and Benteke scored in the 48th minute on a header from a cross by Dodson. There followed a spell of DC pressure, but it evaporated after Benteke was subbed off in the 62nd minute.

Columbus kept up their pressure, and got their second goal in the 78th minute. In a scramble of shots, blocks and attempted clearances, the ball was deflected directly to Columbus's Lassi Lappalainen, and he scored on a volley from the top of the box. DC could not respond, and the game ended 2-1. Unlike the previous two games, where multiple early second-half subs rejuvenated DC, this game's subs were late in the half and did not bring any spark to the team.

Aaron Herrera picked up two yellow cards in the last part of the second half (84th and 89th minutes) and was sent off. The first yellow seemed harsh. He will miss next week's game.

DC returns home and gets a little rest; their next game is against Austin on Saturday July 26 at 730pm at Audi Field. We'll see if new coach Weiler's work visa is ready by then.