Columbus Crew picked up their first win of the 2021 season as a Lucas Zelarayan free kick paved the way for a 3-1 win over D.C. United at a deceptively sunny Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Crew returned from their disappointing midweek Concacaf exit, but were able to field a fully-rested Zelarayan and the Argentine opened the scoring early with a deft free kick on the 20 minute mark.
Columbus doubled their lead in the second half after Pedro Santos’ stinging volley bounced off of D.C.’s unfortunate Frederic Brillant, who could do little to stop the ball finding the back of the net.
Former Crew goal-machine, Ola Kamara pulled one back for the visitors in the 82nd minute with a well-taken goal before another own goal moments later secured the points for Columbus.
Next up for Columbus is another trip down to Florida to face Toronto FC on Wednesday evening.
For more information, visit columbuscrewsc.com.
Matt Ellis is a freelance photographer who covers bands that visit the city and the Columbus Crew MLS team. More about Matt can be found on his Instagram.
All photos by Matt Ellis