Tai Baribo’s double lifts DC United to a 2-1 win

DC United defeated Columbus Crew 2-1 at Audi Field on Wednesday, September 9, earning three points in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season - 24. DC United led 2-0 at half-time before Columbus Crew pulled one goal back shortly after the restart, but the hosts held on for the win.

Baribo’s first-half double

The decisive first-half spell began in the 24th minute. Louis Munteanu supplied the assist for Tai Baribo, who finished to give DC United the lead. Baribo struck again 13 minutes later, this time converting an opportunity created by Kimito Nono. The forward’s two goals gave DC United a firm advantage at the interval and made him the clear standout performer, with a match rating of 9.0, two shots on target and 77 minutes played.

Columbus responded immediately after half-time. Santiago Rodriguez reduced the deficit in the 49th minute, with Josef Martínez providing the assist. The goal gave the visitors a route back into the match, but they could not find an equaliser. Columbus made two changes at the break and later introduced Gonzalo Tapia and André Gomes, while DC United brought on Matti Peltola at half-time and Nathan Ordaz in the 70th minute.

Columbus controlled possession but not the score

The statistics showed a significant difference in control. Columbus had 72% possession and completed 664 accurate passes from 731 total, compared with DC United’s 211 accurate passes and 281 total. The visitors also attempted more shots, 16 to 10, and won five corners against DC United’s three.

That territorial advantage did not translate into victory. DC United created the more efficient opportunities inside the box, recording nine shots from inside the area compared with Columbus’s seven. The hosts also put five efforts on target, one more than Columbus, while both goalkeepers made three saves. Columbus attempted nine shots from outside the box, but DC United’s compact output and two-goal first half proved more decisive than the possession figures.

Discipline and league position

The match produced five yellow cards and no red cards. Columbus players Tarun Karumanchi and Cesar Ruvalcaba were booked, while João Gabriel Martins Peglow, Kye Rowles and Sean Johnson received cautions for DC United. Ruvalcaba was replaced by Steven Moreira at half-time, with the change coming alongside Brais Méndez replacing Taha Habroune.

DC United entered the match 11th in the Eastern Conference with 28 points from 23 games, while Columbus were 13th with 23 points from 24 matches. The victory adds three points to DC United’s total and strengthens their position above Columbus in the supplied standings. It also follows a pre-match run in which DC United’s most recent result was a win. Columbus, whose latest listed result before this fixture was a loss, leave with another defeat despite their control of the ball.