Game Thread: Crew SC at D.C. United

Columbus Crew SC have lost two games in a row and have fallen to fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 3-2-1 record. D.C. United is still looking for its first win of the year and are at the bottom of the standings at 0-3-2. It’s a “home” game for United as the team waits for Audi Field to open. They will play this game in Annapolis, Maryland on the Naval Academy’s football field, a stadium that has never hosted an MLS match before.

Previews:

Ralph Schudel caught up with how D.C. United has been playing early this season. Short answer, not well, but they do have some pieces that can test Crew SC. Guihermme Torres wrote about how the team will try an play on the small field on United’s temporary home in Annapolis.

Live updates:

90’+ Jimenez with shot from 12 yards out but right to Clark.

80’ Afful off the corner puts it high. It’s that kind of night for Crew SC… again.

65’ Valenzuela crosses to Zards. His header is saved on the line. Very close to being in. No review though.

62’ Crew SC substitution: Adam Jahn on for Martinez.

53’ Red card to Arriola. Big for Crew SC now a man up.

Santos was down on a non-contact play, but got up and walked off. He’s back in the game.

46’ United kicks off and the second half has begun.

HT: United 1 Crew SC 0

45’+ Santos’ free kick hits the crossbar. So close!

45’+ Afful fires a shot from the top of the box. Zardes is close, but his diving header doesn’t make contact.

44’ Martinez with a long range effort. That’s Crew SC’s first shot on goal.

33’ Zardes lays off to Pedro at the top of the box. Santos’ shot curls over the bar though.

1’ Not a good start...

Official Lineups:

The Massive XI:

The readers have spoken and they would like to see Lalas Abubakar return to the lineup to pair with Jonathan in the back. The duo earned 67% and 90% of the vote over Josh Williams, who earned 43% of the center back vote.

The rest of the lineup is unchanged, but there’s some sentiment to change the wing. Cristian Martinez captured 58% of the vote with the rest split between Niko Hansen (19%) and the yet to feature rookie Edward Opoku (13%).

Injuries and Absences:

Crew SC: Rookie midfielder Luis Argudo and Eduardo Sosa are out with short-term injuries. Mike Grella and Gaston Sauro remain out on long-term injuries, but have recently returned to practicing with the team.

D.C. United: Junior Moreno, Russell Canouse, and Taylor Kemp are out. David Ousted is hampered by a foot injury, which leaves room former Crew SC keeper Steve Clark in the lineup. Chris Odoi-Atsem is out due to concussion.

How to watch:

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2018, 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)

TV: CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports, BCSN2

Radio: English: CD102.5 FM / ColumbusCrewSC.com Spanish: ColumbusCrewSC.com

Stream: ESPN+ (and MLS Live for a week longer)