The Columbus Crew Reserve squad fell to the D.C. United Reserves, 1-0, Wednesday in a rare, mid-week Reserve Division match played at the Crew Training Facility at Obetz. The match was originally scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27, a day after the regular-season league finale at Crew Stadium between the two teams.
The first half unfolded with Columbus creating most of the match's scoring chances, thanks to two early shots on frame by midfielder George Josten and a shot from distance by veteran Duncan Oughton just before the half, but the United defense held firm thanks to the timely play of Peruvian goalkeeper Jose Carvallo.
After a scoreless first half, both squads brought on substitutes off the bench, looking to avoid injuries before the weekend's MLS schedule. However, the action would pick up in the matches second stanza, as both sides sought to tally the game's first goal.
The Crew was the first to threaten goal with a legitimate chance after the restart, as Nicolas Hernandez's left-footed bender from the top of the box was foiled by a diving save from goalkeeper James Thorpe, one of two United substitutes at the half.
The game's only tally would come in the 73rd minute, when D.C. finally got the goal it was looking for. Marc Burch sent a bending left-footed free kick into the Crew's area from the right side. The Crew failed to clear the service, and United midfielder Rod Dyachenko pounced on the loose ball and deposited it into the back of the net.
The hosts were unable to find an equalizer in the match's remaining time, as the United defense snuffed out the Crew's remaining scoring chances.
The win improves D.C. United to 4-2-1 (13 pts.) on the season, while Columbus moves to 2-3-1, (7 pts.) in MLS Reserve Division play. The Crew Reserve squad will return to action Sunday, July 6 when it hosts the Chicago Fire at 10 a.m. at the Crew Training Facility at Obetz. D.C. United has a full month off until its next Reserve Division match, when it hosts the Kansas City Wizards on Sunday, August 3 at 10 a.m.
Columbus Crew (2-3-1) vs. D.C. United (4-2-1) (MLS Reserve Division)
June 25, 2008 - Crew Training Facility at Obetz
Scoring Summary:
DCU - Rod Dyachenko (unassisted) 73
Columbus Crew Reserves: Andy Gruenebaum (Kenny Schoeni 46), Devon McKenney, Jed Zayner, Andy Iro (Ryan Miller 46), Gino Padula (Ryan Junge 11, Nicolas Hernandez 46),Cory Elenio, Duncan Oughton, George Josten, Andrew Peterson, Ricardo Pierre-Louis (Craig Neal 66), Steven Lenhart (Jason Garey 46)
Substitutes not used: Eddie Hertzenberg
D.C. United Reserves: Jose Carvallo (James Thorpe 46), Jeremy Barlow, Marc Burch, Dane Murphy, Mike Zaher, Rod Dyachenko, Quavas Kirk, Grady Renfrow (Laurent Manuel 46), Craig Thompson, Kenny Anaba (Pat Carroll 68), Ryan Cordeiro
Substitutes not used: None
Misconduct:
CLB - Jed Zayner caution (reckless foul) 58
CLB - Nicolas Hernandez caution (reckless foul) 86
