Only two teams (New England and New York Red Bulls) have played more games against United than Columbus since the inaugural MLS season of 1996. With the Black-and-Red holding just a slight lead historically in the head-to-head record books at 27-26-11 against Crew SC, the storied matchup has without doubt seen some historic and memorable clashes in its time.
In the league’s early years, the two teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals in three consecutive seasons from 1997 to 1999. During that three-year stretch, United were an immovable barrier for Columbus in the playoffs, as the Crew were forced to watch the Black-and-Red go on to lift two MLS Cups (in 97’ and 99’) after being bounced out of the postseason three straight times by the Black-and-Red.
Since then the contests between United and Columbus have remained just as competitive, with some fierce battles adding to the Eastern Conference matchup’s historic legacy. Some of these meetings included:
May 31, 2006
United recorded their biggest margin of victory over Columbus with a score line of 5-1 at RFK. Jaime Moreno scored his 100th MLS goal, becoming the second player in league history (at the time) to reach the milestone, and D.C. United increased their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings in a season where they finished atop the East.
March 19, 2011
United won 3-1 against the Crew on opening day. Only a year and a half after a fatal car crash almost took his life, Charlie Davies scored two goals on his debut after coming on in the 50th minute.
October 20, 2012
In a passionate and competitive match, United won 3-2 in front of 19,000+ fans in a game that locked up a playoff berth for the Black-and-Red for the first time since 2007 and eliminated the Crew. Nick DeLeon and Marcelo Saragosa scored goals on either side of Columbus strikes before Lewis Neal finished off a counter attack in the 90th minute to earn all three points and delight fans. DeLeon’s goal tied the club record for most goals scored by a rookie (6).
United have been far superior over the last 22 year against Columbus at RFK, earning a record of 20-9-4 in their 33 meetings (only losing nine games).
Saturday’s meeting will be the latest chapter in the ever-growing story between the two clubs. The game begins a three-game home stand for United and presents an opportunity for United to grab their first points of the season.
