Competing With Columbus

DC United played at a high level (best of the year in my opinion) last night (March 29) against the Columbus Crew. Unfortunately, they came up short, losing 2-1.

Matti Peltola and Kye Rowles, both on international duty last weekend (for Finland and Australia respectively) returned to the starting lineup:

Kim in goal

Schnegg, Rowles, Bartlett, Herrera on defense

Peltola, Kijima in defensive midfield

Peglow, Pirani, Stroud in midfield

Benteke at forward

Subs: Dodson for Herrera (33rd minute, probably an injury), Murrell for Stroud (70th minute), Enow for Kijima (70th minute), Badji for Peltola (74th minute).

Columbus' Diego Rossi had a good chance at the near post in the 11th minute but was denied on a good kick save (and followup hand save) from Kim. Two minutes later, Peglow beat the offside trap down the right side, almost lost the ball but was able to slide it to Benteke in the middle of the box, who beat Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte to put DC up 1-0.

Unfortunately, 3 minutes later Columbus intercepted a poor counterattack pass and Rossi shot past Kim (who got a hand on it, but not enough) to the far post to tie the game, 1-1. Kijima and Peglow missed good chances, and Kim made several more saves. It was 1-1 at halftime.

Benteke put a ball off the left post after a saving deflection by the Columbus defense in the 55th minute. Rossi took a shot from just outside the left side of the box in the 65th minute, and it deflected off Kijima's boot just under the bar to put Columbus up 2-1. DC pushed hard the rest of the way (as they usually do) but that's how it ended.

DC's midfield played the best I have seen them so far this year, mostly holding their own against Columbus' players. There is still lots of room for improvement, but I saw some last night. The non-Benteke finishing obviously still needs a fair amount of work. But it's a young, energetic team, and I hope that as they play more together the passing will continue to improve (and hopefully the finishing too).

DC had 47% of the overall possession and 8 shot attempts (2 on goal). Kim made 5 saves.

DC's next game is in San Jose on Sunday, April 6 at 5pm. Our old coach from the early glory days (1996-1998), Bruce Arena, is now coaching San Jose.