Columbus Crew secured a spot in this season's Audi MLS Cup Playoffs by beating Dc United at the MAPFRE Stadium, according to Black and Red United. It was a moment of celebration for Gregg Berhalter's side as they made it to the post-season since reaching the 2015 MLS Cup Final. Goals from Josh Williams (14') and Justin Meram (56') gave the home team the victory at home and ultimately extended their unbeaten run to eight games. In addition to this, they set a new club record with their twelfth home win of the season. Columbus Crew is ranked fifth, while DC United is at the bottom 32 points.
Here's a summary of the Match.
Columbus Crew outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Zack Steffen (7.33). Defender - Harrison Afful (6.90), Jonathan Mensah (7.28), Josh Williams (8.22), Héctor Jiménez (6.93). Midfielder - Artur (eight points), Wil Trapp (7.27), Pedro Santos (6.78), Federico Higuaín (7.34), Justin Meram (8.58). Forward - Ola Kamara (6.48). Used substitutes - Niko Hansen (six points), Jukka Raitala (6.21), Kekuta Manneh (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Crew were absolutely great at setting up goal bound opportunities from set pieces and strong at scoring, although, they were often caught offside.
Style of play: Crew were largely dominant, favored long range strikes and through balls.
DC United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Steve Clark (six points). Defender - Sean Franklin (6.44), Kofi Opare (6.32), Jalen Robinson (6.79), Chris Korb (seven points). Midfielder - Ian Harkes (6.70), Russell Canouse (6.49), Paul Arriola (6.73), Luciano Acosta (six points), Lloyd Sam (6.27).
Forward - Deshorn Brown (6.19). Used substitutes - Bruno Miranda (5.87), Zoltán Stieber (six points), Patrick Mullins (6.26).
Team's strength and weakness: Ben Olsen's side gave away lots of free kicks within their half and was weak in front of goal. In addition, they were often caught offside and consistently lost possession.
Style of play: DC United played short and long passes with space and attacked through the right flank.
Who is the Man of the Match?
Justin Meram did the dirty jobs in the midfield and still went on to score the second goal. Overall, the American had a total of seventy touches in the match.
Upcoming fixtures
Columbus Crew will hit the road to face Orlando City on Sunday 15 October. The following day, DC United will slog it out with Portland Timbers on the road.
