Three games into the 2017 MLS regular season, the goal drought continues for Dc United in their 0-2 home defeat to visiting Columbus Crew at the RFK Stadium. DC United are yet to score a goal this campaign. Both Columbus Crew Sc goals came through a penalty kick. Frederico Higuain opened the scoring from a penalty spot-kick in the 38th minute before Ola Kamara doubled the scoreline for Crew SC in the 66th minute to give Columbus Crew their first win of the 2017 MLS regular season.
Both penalties came due to fouls committed by DC United's defender Steve Bimbaum against Ola Kamara inside the box.
The return of Acosta
Luciano Acosta missed the first two matches of the 2017 season for United as result of an ankle injury and was back to action for DC United as he was a welcomed inclusion to the team starting IX lineup. Although, Acosta played well and set up a number of chances in his 75 minutes of action in the field, but was not able to notched DC United first goal of the campaign. Well, perhaps next game he will play the complete 90 minutes for the black-and-red.
Crognale, welcome to Major League Soccer
MLS new boy Alex Crognale, who is a Homegrown defender for Columbus Crew SC, made his first MLS game appearance and went on to play the full 90 minutes in the back-line for the Crew SC. Alex Crognale donned the jersey No. 21, his performance was satisfactory as he made one brilliant tackle in the 35th minute to dispossess United midfielder Llyod Sam in the 17-yard box, and as an inexperienced defender, he never made any faulty tackles that may have cost the away team a penalty for United to come back in the game. Certainly, his work-rate in the back-line helped Columbus Crew SC to secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Bill Hamid made good decisions on both penalties, but was it necessary?
DC United goalkeeper Bill Hamid guessed right on both penalties and came nigh to stopping the both penalties taken by Frederico Higuain in the 38th minute and Ola Kamara spot-kick in the 66th minute. However, Hamid closeness was not good enough to save DC United on both occasions.