Somebody forgot to tell Columbus Crew SC that Decision Day in Major League Soccer was supposed to be suspenseful. On a day where playoff positioning was on the line across all of Major League Soccer Crew SC (15-11-8, 53 points) took the decision out of others hands securing the second spot in the Eastern Conference with a 5-0 rout of D.C. United ( 15-13-6, 51 points).
Despite playing without midfielder Federico Higuain and forward Kei Kamara the Crew SC attack punished United, particularly in the second half. Forward Jack McInerney led the scoring charge in the 25th minute. But it was the surge in the second half led by midfielders Justin Meram (54′,) Ethan Finlay (66′ and 67′,) and substitute forward Aaron Schoenfeld (80′).
Lacking center-midfielder Higuain, who was out due to yellow card suspension, Crew SC coach Gregg Berhalter opted to focus on building attacking plays with outside midfielders Mearam and Finlay. This strategy paid off throughout the match with D.C. United left-back Taylor Kemp and right-back Sean Franklin failing to keep up with their opponent’s pace. This in turn freed up center-midfielder Mohammed Saied to focus on solely providing opportunities for McInerney.
Berhalter’s strategy almost proved successful with McInerney finishing off a Saied cross in the 23rd minute. His header was appeared to be going for the far corner of the goal. But McInerney would be denied thanks to a sprawling save by United goalkeeper Bill Hamid. Faced with a declining defense, Hamid would be forced to make four saves.
McInerney and Crew SC would hit again just two minutes with Saied intercepting a poor clearance by United and deftly placing a pass into space for McInerney. With just Hamid to beat the former Philadelphia Union standout would place a low shot past Hamid for his fifth goal of the season.
Columbus would not provide an respite for D.C. in the second half with Mearam and Finlay opening up a frayed United defense. Mearam would double Columbus’ lead in the 54th minute with a low shot aimed at the far right corner of Hamid’s net. The goal was the Iraqi international’s sixth goal of the season. Credit to Crew SC right-back Waylon Francis for providing a long, booming clear into space for Mearam to capitalize on.
Against a Crew SC attack that hit them at the center and the left and right flanks of the pitch United had few opportunities to get back into the match. Forward Fabian Espindola provided United’s best opportunity in the 35th minute with a promising chance that Crew SC goalkeeper Steve Clark would tip over the bar. D.C. would have just four shots on target compared to Columbus’ nine.
With the victory Columbus moved into second place in the Eastern Conference. They will avoid the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs and will travel for their first Conference Semi-final match.
As opposed to Crew SC who will have to wait for other results to come in to determine their further, D.C. United’s playoff future is much clearer. With the loss United slides down to the number four seed in the Eastern Conference. They will host the New England Revolution on Wednesday at RFK Stadium at a time that has yet to be determined.
