By the numbers: D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew

In a typically even mid-summer MLS match on Saturday night, a lone goal separated D.C. United from the Columbus Crew.  Here’s a look at a few key statistics as the Black-and-Red picked up their seventh straight league win at RFK.

14 

The number of fouls committed by Columbus, compared to just seven infractions committed by the Black-and-Red.  If Saturday’s game seemed a bit more physical than usual, it’s because the Crew wanted it to be.  Columbus picked up three yellow cards in the first forty minutes of play as D.C. held possession and paid the price.

4

The number of D.C. United players with at least three shots on Saturday night.  After two months where Chris Pontius basically carried the Black-and-Red attack,  D.C.’s offense finally showed some of the diversity that made it so dangerous in May.  Pontius, Long Tan, Dwayne De Rosario and Nick DeLeon were all active on the night as United threatened from all over the field.

0

Goals allowed by Bill Hamid.  For the third time in his last four complete MLS games, United’s 21-year-old goalkeeper held his opponent scoreless.  Hamid only had to make three saves, but he was sharp early (when stuffing Dilly Duka in the 5th minute) and late (swatting away Chris Birchall’s driven corner in the 93rd minute).

1

Shots on goal by Jairo Arrieta over ninety minutes of action.  The Crew’s most dangerous man was held in check as Emiliano Dudar and Brandon McDonald teamed effectively at the center of D.C.’s defense.  The Costa Rican was caught offsides five times and drew just one foul on a largely frustrating night, this a week after two extremely well-taken goals in Kansas City.