WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 9, 2026 — D.C. United defended Audi Field with a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew on Wednesday night, powered by a first-half brace from striker Tai Baribo. Despite Columbus controlling the majority of possession, United proved that efficiency in front of goal mattered far more than time on the ball.
D.C. United lined up in a strong 4-3-3 formation against Columbus Crew’s 3-4-2-1 setup, and the hosts wasted little time finding ways through the Crew defense. Baribo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, putting United ahead and giving the home crowd an early reason to celebrate.
Thirteen minutes later, Baribo struck again.
The No. 9 found his second goal of the night in the 37th minute, completing his brace and sending D.C. United into halftime with a commanding 2-0 advantage. Columbus may have controlled the ball, but United controlled the scoreboard.
The Crew responded almost immediately after the break. Santiago Rodríguez pulled one back in the 49th minute, quickly cutting D.C.’s advantage to 2-1 and putting pressure on the home side for the remainder of the match.
Columbus dominated possession with 72% compared with D.C. United’s 28%, while completing 664 accurate passes to United’s 211. The Crew also attempted nine shots from outside the penalty area and seven from inside the box. D.C., meanwhile, concentrated its attack much closer to goal, recording nine attempts from inside the box and only one from distance.
But possession did not translate into enough goals.
D.C. United finished with five shots on target, compared with Columbus’ four, demonstrating a more direct and efficient approach when opportunities presented themselves. Baribo’s two first-half finishes ultimately proved to be the difference.
The energy throughout Audi Field remained firmly behind United as supporters pushed the team through Columbus’ second-half pressure. With the Crew searching for an equalizer, D.C. held its ground and protected the one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
The 2-1 victory belonged to a D.C. United side willing to play without the majority of the ball, remain disciplined, and capitalize when the chances arrived. Columbus controlled possession and accumulated passes, but Baribo controlled the defining moments.
D.C. United will remain at Audi Field for its next match, hosting Atlanta United on Saturday, September 12.
Final: D.C. United 2, Columbus Crew 1
Article by Omar Soto | Photo by Omar Soto
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