In a thrilling matchup between two MLS originals, the Columbus Crew hosted D.C. United on a brisk evening in the Buckeye State. Columbus entered the contest looking to rebound after a 1-1 draw against Tigres UANL in the Concacaf Champions Cup midweek. The Black & Gold settled for a 1-1 draw against a physical D.C. United squad that worked to frustrate the hosts throughout the evening.

The first half saw United play with a high press, but Columbus still had the momentum of dictating the tempo with fluid passing. Chances came from both sides, but the Crew came very close to breaking the ice in the second minute of play.

Cucho Hernandez — returning to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension for violating “team policy” — found Marino Hinestroza out wide on the right. Hinestroza dribbled toward the goal and had an easy layoff for Max Arfsten. The shot attempt was blocked and gave United an easy counterattack. At the other end, Jackson Hopkins had his attempt ricochet off of the post, but it was not a surprise that United were eager to make a statement early.

The Crew had a great opportunity in the 19th minute when they pinned United in their own defensive half. Arfsten was able to intercept a pass and send a cross to the back post, but United netminder Alex Bono claimed the attempt with ease.

At certain points in the first half, United struggled to find their rhythm in the face of Columbus’ relentless onslaught, with their midfield unable to establish control and forwards too isolated up front. Despite a few promising moments on the counterattack, United failed to seriously threaten the Crew’s goal, largely due to the solid defensive effort of the Crew’s back three.

In the second half, it was more of the same from the Black & Gold. Dominating possession, and creating goal-scoring opportunities, but Bono stood tall to the tasks.

It was Christian Benteke who was able to score his fifth goal of the season, pouncing on a deflected shot that fell right into the path of the Belgian forward, who skillfully placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net past Crew keeper Patrick Schulte.

Hernandez would only see the field for 74 minutes on his Crew return, as he was issued a red card for violent conduct when he kicked out at Christopher McVey after being fouled. Hernandez will now miss the Crew’s away trip to Real Salt Lake next weekend. This is Columbus’ third red card in four matches across all competitions.

Columbus didn’t go down without a fight, as they found the equalizing goal in the 87th minute through Aidan Morris. With Columbus building possession, Mohamed Farsi sent in a cross that was cleared out and away from the United defense. The ball fell to Morris who decided to unleash a Hail Mary shot from distance that found the back of the net past Bono.

Columbus would see the game out to earn a crucial point at home, now putting their MLS play to rest as the focus shifts to the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Tigres UANL in Monterrey, Mexico.

Welcome back, Cucho?

After serving a two-game suspension for violating “team policy,” Cucho Hernandez made his return to the pitch for the Black & Gold. The return, however, lasted 74 minutes before the Colombian was issued a red card for violent conduct. “He wanted to do well,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy. “He did his game, he did a good game.”

Welcome back, Will Sands

A year after tearing his ACL, Will Sands started for the Columbus Crew and played a hard-fought 45 minutes. “He was a bit excited,” said Nancy. “I think that he did the game before the game. I told him two days ago that he will start, and I was happy to see him on the pitch.”

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back in action Tuesday for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Tigre UANL. Kickoff from Monterrey is set for 8:45 pm EDT.