Dax McCarty is having a good game in the first 45 minutes of his debut, both in a D.C. United shirt and as their captain, but it's been a less than spectacular performance from the United strikers. The Black and Red midfield is seriously taking the game to the Columbus Crew, but they've yet to make anything out of it. Joseph Ngwenya is much more of a hold-up forward than a finisher and Josh Wolff doesn't look particularly sharp, while winger Chris Pontius has wasted a couple chances of his own.
D.C. United Vs. Columbus Crew: 0-0 Halftime, Black And Red Creative But Not Clinical
Neutrals and United fans alike will be wondering when Charlie Davies might make an appearance, and for good reason. Wolff's effort has been admirable, but he hasn't been in the right place at the right time for most of this game, while he's shot poorly when he has had a chance. Even if Davies isn't the speed demon he used to be, his finishing quality would be very useful right now.
The Columbus Crew completely re-vamped their roster in the offseason, and it shows. They don't look anything like a cohesive unit, and new signing Dejan Rusmir is getting demolished by McCarty and Clyde Simms in the midfield. Veteran striker Jeff Cunningham looks poor as well, and it seems unlikely that rookie Justin Meram wouldn't provide more of everything up top. If there's one standout player for the Crew so far, it's second year player Dilly Duka, who inexplicably struggled to get minutes last season.
This game is certainly open enough to produce a goal, and both teams have some very good athletes and decent creative players. However, unless some new strikers are introduced into the game, it’s tough to see who is going to finish the chances that the two midfields have the capacity to create.
See More:
