DC United fall 3-0 against the Crew in Columbus and the decline continues

Columbus Crew 3-0 DC United, October 31, 2026

Another loss makes it five in a row for the Black-and-Red and just one win in eleven games. A team with that kind of late-season form simply does not deserve to make the playoffs.

Zawadzki opened the scoring with a free header after some optional defending in the 16th minute.

Then, after a clear handball by Bangoura, where he hilariously pretended the ball had struck his face instead of his arm, only for a VAR check to show otherwise, Kurokawa completely missed the target on his penalty kick.

After a few half-chances from Peglow and Dozzell for DC, Zaroury made it 2-0 in the 41st minute following more lethargic defending. His shot looked more like a free kick -- that is how much space he had to bend it into the far corner.

Then, on another counter-attack, an unlucky Nono own goal made it 3-0 in the 61st minute.

What can I say at this point? DC continues to disappoint and lacks the mentality to compete consistently throughout the season. The owners don't seem to care and the management looks lost. By failing to qualify for this year’s playoffs, DC United now holds the record for the most consecutive seasons (seven) missing the MLS playoffs. Considering nine out of 15 teams make the postseason, that is disgraceful for a team that boasts 4 MLS Cups and was the giant of the league in the early years.

DC United will close out their season at home next Saturday, November 7 against New York City FC at 4 p.m. E.T.

There will be a sprint season starting in early February as MLS transitions to a new fall-to-spring calendar, so at least we won’t have to wait as long for more DC United action and another shot at breaking our playoff streak. There's always next year!