Crew Routs United

• George Pennington
• Mon Jun 28 2010, 1:56pm GMT

The Columbus Crew returned from the World Cup break Saturday night to host DC United at Crew Stadium. With their 2-0 victory, the Crew broke their three-game winless streak, and also snapped United’s three game win streak. The Black and Gold continue to race arm in arm with the New York Red Bulls for dominance in the Eastern Conference.

When the starting XI came on the field, it appeared that the Crew would be taking an aggressive approach – striker Emilio Renteria made a rare start. They did not disappoint. Early on and throughout the game, Renteria habitually tested DC keeper Troy Perkins's resolve with rocketing shots from distance.

The Crew created several scoring chances in the first half but failed to convert. United countered with chances of their own, mostly due to the perseverance of Chris Pontius and Santino Quaranta. When the half was over, the lack of score did not reflect the heart of the game.

Columbus finally drew blood in the 57th minute when star forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto tapped a loose ball into the net. The questionable goal followed an apparent handball that went unnoticed by the referee.

Thirty minutes later, a second tally was added as Eric Brunner headed in the second goal of his MLS career. Schelotto's service delivered from the corner got a little redirect from Steven Lenhart who had come onto the pitch 10 minutes prior.

In added time, Lenhart – after being pulled down in the box – leveled a penalty kick right into Perkins's chest.

Columbus will host the Rochester Rhinos this Tuesday in an Open Cup round of 16 match.