DC United fought defending MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew to a 2-2 draw last Saturday (September 28) at Audi Field.
DC started Bono in goal; Stroud, Peltola, Bartlett, McVey and Herrera on defense; Badji, Rodriguez, Ku-Dipietro and Klich in midfield; and Benteke at forward.
The game was entertaining from the start, as both teams attacked. Bono made a great save on Columbus's Diego Rossi in the 22nd minute. DC went ahead in the 30th minute on a great play from Ku-Dipietro, who started in his own half, beat a defender, and crossed to Benteke in the middle of the box, who slotted home a goal through keeper Patrick Schulte's legs. It was 1-0 DC at the half.
DC was looking comfortable, but Cucho Hernandez turned the game around in a 3 minute span early in the second half. In the 54th minute, he lofted a perfect bending shot from 25 yards out over Bono's head and in off the top of the crossbar to tie the score. In the 57th minute, he put a perfect cross on the head of Jacen Russell-Rowe, who split defenders Bartlett and McVey and made it 2-1 Columbus.
DC did not quit. Benteke just missed a chance in the 72nd minute, and then tied the game in the 81st minute on a beautiful through ball from substitute Pirani. Both Pirani and fellow substitute Murrell had chances off a corner at the very end of the game, but it ended 2-2.
Pirani and Murrell had come on in the 62nd minute for Badji and Ku-Dipietro respectively. Enow replaced Rodriguez in the 71st minute, and Santos and Dajome replaced McVey and Stroud in the 78th minute as Lesesne sought more offensive firepower near the end.
DC had 13 shots (7 on goal) and 5 corner kicks.
The result leaves DC still in playoff contention with 3 games left, but they will probably need to win (NOT draw) at least two of them to do so. Depending on results, they may need to win all three. The picture will be clearer after away games against Nashville this Wednesday (October 2) and New England on Saturday (October 5).
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