D.C. United 2-2 Columbus: 3 things we learned
By Jordan Small
The MLS knockout round continued on Thursday night with D.C. United playing host to Columbus Crew. Here are three takeaways from the match.
After opening up Audi Field in July, D.C. United got the opportunity to play host in the playoffs. United came into the game on a 10-game unbeaten streak while Columbus had won just one of three games in October.
The two teams were in very different places coming in but ended up playing a highly entertaining match on Thursday night.
A D.C. United goal in the 21st minute from Frederic Brillant put the home team up, but a goal just nine minutes later from Columbus’ Federico Higuain would bring things even.
However, 90 minutes would not be enough and 30 minutes of extra time had to be played. After being tied 2-2, it went to a penalty shootout, where Columbus came away victorious, 3-2.
Columbus’ shape and transition game helps them pull out the victory
The Columbus Crew came out in a 4-5-1 formation on Thursday night. It appeared from the very beginning that the goal was to hunker down and not let D.C. United to get many chances. They managed just that for 120 minutes at Audi Field.
Not only were they able to shutdown the dangerous attack of United, but this also opened up space for Columbus to go on the counter attack. Both goals and a number of chances that the Crew had came off of well played out counters.
Federico Higuain comes up huge for Columbus
Coming into this game, Federico Higuain had six goals in 30 games played. On Thursday night however, he managed to score both goals for the Crew in a 2-1 victory over D.C. United. His strong play in central midfield help on both sides of the ball.
His presence was most felt in the transition game that the Crew did so well with in the victory. He also scored the first goal in the shootout to go along with two Zack Steffen saves in the victory.
Next. The 10 best teams in MLS history. dark
Extra time does not play well with quick turnaround
Playing 30 more minutes and going to a shootout is not ideal for Columbus as they now have to face New York Red Bulls on Sunday in leg one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
This knockout stage game was an end to end battle and both teams had strong stretches of possession where they looked as if they had begun to wear the other side down. Now it begs the question, how much will they have left in the tank come Sunday against the Red Bulls.