COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew continued their late-season winning streak Saturday afternoon, defeating D.C. United 3-0 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field for their fifth consecutive victory. Goals from Sean Zawadzki and Anass Zaroury gave Columbus a two-goal halftime lead before a second-half own goal completed the scoring.
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 opportunities, including a fifth-minute shot from Chambost that was saved by D.C. United goalkeeper Alex Bono.
The visitors had an opportunity to equalize in the 24th minute when D.C. United was awarded a penalty kick. However, Keisuke Kurokawa sent his attempt wide to the right, allowing the Crew to maintain their one-goal advantage.
D.C. United continued creating chances, forcing Patrick Schulte into consecutive saves against João Peglow and Andre Dozzell in the 28th and 29th minutes. Schulte had also stopped an earlier attempt from Peglow in the 15th minute, helping Columbus preserve its lead.
The Crew doubled their advantage 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 collected his second assist of the match, with Mohamed Farsi also credited with an assist.
Columbus extended its lead to 3-0 in the 60th minute when D.C. United midfielder Kimito Nono was credited with an own goal. The third goal gave the Crew a comfortable cushion after the visitors had failed to convert several earlier scoring opportunities.
The Crew made several substitutions during the final 20 minutes, bringing on Josef Martínez, Andrés Herrera, Tarun Karumanchi, Lautaro Giaccone, and Eric Bailly. Columbus continued creating opportunities, with Martínez and Giaccone both having late attempts blocked by Sean Nealis.
Schulte finished with four saves to record his second consecutive shutout, while the Crew improved to 13-15-5 with 44 points. Columbus has now won five straight matches, including back-to-back shutouts against FC Dallas and D.C. United.
The victory strengthens Columbus' position in the Eastern Conference playoff race with one match remaining. The Crew entered Saturday holding the ninth and final playoff position, with their recent winning streak helping them climb back into contention.
What's Next
The Crew conclude the regular season Saturday, November 7, against the Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with Columbus looking to finish the regular season with a sixth consecutive victory.
