Crew Moves into Tie for Supporters' Shield with Win

Playing in its fifth match in two weeks, the Columbus Crew made a first-half goal from Guillermo Barros Schelotto hold up for a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at RFK Stadium on Saturday night to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings and move into a tie with the LA Galaxy in the Supporters' Shield race.

Columbus took the lead on a first-half mistake by D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid, and made the most of that break with a composed, confident performance. One goal was all the Crew would need for its second win in Washington in four days. The Black & Gold secured passage to the Lamar Hun U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday, and on Saturday maintained their push toward a third straight Supporters' Shield.

Under pressure from Schelotto, the 19-year-old Hamid muffed a back pass, then whiffed on a half-volleyed clearance. The Crew's Argentine maestro seized the loose ball and side-footed his shot into the net. Columbus did not allow the home team a single shot on goal in the game, meaning that keeper William Hesmer did not have to make a save to secure his 10th shutout of the season.

The Galaxy played the Chicago Fire to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, allowing the Crew to draw level with them on 44 points, heading into next Saturday's marquee matchup between the two teams at The Home Depot Center. The Crew extended its lead in the East to seven points over New York, which lost at Real Salt Lake on Saturday.