COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew lead D.C. United 2-0 at halftime Saturday afternoon, with goals from Sean Zawadzki and Anass Zaroury giving Columbus a comfortable advantage despite several dangerous opportunities for the visitors.
Zawadzki opened the scoring in the 16th minute, heading home a pass from Dylan Chambost from the center of the penalty area. Columbus had created several early chances, including a fifth-minute attempt by Chambost that was saved by D.C. United goalkeeper Alex Bono.
D.C. United had an excellent opportunity to equalize in the 24th minute when Keisuke Kurokawa stepped up for a penalty kick. However, his attempt went wide to the right, allowing Columbus to maintain its one-goal lead.
The visitors continued threatening, with Patrick Schulte making saves against João Peglow in the 28th minute and Andre Dozzell in the 29th. Schulte also stopped an earlier Peglow attempt in the 15th minute, finishing the half with three saves.
Columbus doubled its lead in the 41st minute when Zaroury scored with a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area into the upper-right corner. Chambost provided his second assist of the match, with Mohamed Farsi also credited with an assist.
The Crew enter the second half looking to extend their winning streak to five matches. D.C. United has created enough opportunities to remain dangerous, but the missed penalty and Schulte's saves have helped Columbus build a two-goal advantage.
