The Columbus Crew tested their unbeaten record against an MLS original in D.C. United Saturday night, with Columbus emerging victorious by a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of a Diego Rossi brace.

Columbus welcomed back Patrick Schulte and Max Arfsten from international duty with the United States Men’s National Team, while Mohamed Farsi was still left off the matchday roster. Head Coach Wilfried Nancy said that he returned late last week and left the Algerian international off the roster to rest.

The Crew started the game on the front foot within the first 10 minutes, averaging over 90% possession combined. However, the Black & Gold had nothing to show for it.

D.C. United broke the 0-0 deadlock in the 13th minute, with Christian Benteke getting his name first on the scoresheet with a low shot past an outstretched Schulte, diving to his right-hand side.

Just minutes later, Diego Rossi leveled the match at 1-1 when his shot snuck under Kim Joon-Hong to the far post in the 16th minute.

Both teams traded chances for most of the first half with nothing to convert.

It was all D.C. United, who started to dictate the second half as the Black & Red moved forward multiple times to catch Columbus sleeping. Their best chance came in the 55th minute when Benteke nearly got his second on the night, but the sliding attempt at the far post had Schulte scrambling to his right and sliding to make the save with his knee.

Columbus’ best chance came in the 57th minute when Arfsten had a shot with his left foot go just wide of the frame.

The Crew gained the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute behind Rossi yet again, who took his shot from distance that was deflected and rainbowed into the net at the top right corner.

“I’m really happy for him. He deserved it,” said Nancy during his postgame press conference.

“He could have scored three goals because we had a beautiful action. The goalkeeper made a good save. He deserved it, simple as that. He is the first defender when we defend. He’s able to play in different positions. Today, I gave him a task, specifically how to be available to move between the lines. He did it well. After that, we changed tactically something again. The players, when they see a player like that, they are coming to fight also for him.

I’m really happy for him.”

After many attempts by D.C. United to level the match, the home side could not find the back of the net, giving Columbus all three points and staying unbeaten through their first six matches to start the 2025 campaign.

This is promising

This is the third time in franchise history that the Crew have been unbeaten through six matches of a season (2010, 2020, 2025).

Another multi-goal performance

With two goals on the night, the Crew has posted multiple goals in an MLS-best 44 regular season matches since 2023 (21 in 2023, 21 in 2024, and two in 2025).

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew are back home next Saturday as they host CF Montreal. Kickoff from Lower.com Field is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.