D.C. United 2 - 0 Columbus Crew

On May 2nd, D.C. United hosted Columbus Crew for the first time this season. With United holding a 15 game home unbeaten streak in all competitions, and the Crew on a 4 game unbeaten streak, something had to give. This game was Fabian Espindola's first at home since his 6 game ban from the playoffs last season.

The game began with an extended period of Columbus pressure, with the action all down the D.C. United end for the first 14 minutes

Then Fabian Espindola collected a Chris Rolfe pass and scored the opening goal on a break away

Which delighted both fans and team mates alike

Undeterred, Columbus once again attacked

Trying to find a way to get an equalizer

But Bill Hamid (who signed a new multi-year contract with United on Friday) and his defence would not let them through

Doing whatever was necessary to prevent them from scoring

...although Columbus did also resort to similar tactics

As the half went on, D.C. United began test the Columbus Crew more and more

With Columbus keeper Steve Clark called into action more and more

Until finally a Fabian Espindola corner found United defender Sean Franklin in the six yard box, where he was able to slot the ball home

...as the despairing Crew defense looked on

Franklin, scoring his 2nd goal since joining United in 2014, was immediately mobbed by his teammates and congratulated on his achievement

Columbus continued to battle, and did have a chance to pull one back just before half time, but sent the shot wide of the goal

In the second half, Columbus continued to attack,

...down both flanks

but the DC United defense held firm

With the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the year challenging for anything that came his way

Until finally the referee blew the final whistle, and D.C. United extended their unbeaten home record to 16, and set a record for their best ever MLS start after 8 games.