D.C. United Men’s Soccer Beats Columbus Crew 2-1 Behind Tai Baribo’s Two Goals as Tai Baribo scored in the 24th and 36th minutes during D.C. United’s 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew in the 2026 MLS regular season on Sept. 9 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The win moved D.C. United to 6-7-10 with 28 points and 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
Louis Munteanu assisted Baribo’s opening goal, while Kimito Nono assisted the second. Baribo’s two goals brought his season total to 14 for D.C. United.
Tai Baribo Gives D.C. United a Halftime Lead
D.C. United built a 2-0 advantage before halftime. Baribo finished the first goal in the 24th minute after Munteanu’s setup, then scored again in the 36th minute with assistance from Nono.
Columbus Crew cut the deficit in the 49th minute when Santiago Rodríguez scored, with Josef Martínez providing the assist. D.C. United held Columbus without another goal to secure the 2-1 result.
D.C. United Handles Columbus Crew’s Possession Advantage
Columbus Crew held 67.8% possession and finished with 15 shots and five corners. D.C. United recorded 10 shots, five shots on target and three corners, while Columbus had four shots on target.
Nono recorded one assist and created a team-high four chances in 90 minutes. Kye Rowles made his first start for D.C. United since Aug. 1 against Nashville SC after returning from injury, recording 16 defensive contributions and seven clearances in 90 minutes.
Matti Peltola entered as a substitute at the 45th minute and recorded eight defensive contributions and seven tackles.
D.C. United Improves Its Home and Series Records
The victory moved D.C. United’s 2026 home record to 4-4-4. Columbus Crew fell to 6-13-5 with 23 points.
D.C. United now holds a 33-36-14 all-time regular-season record against Columbus Crew, including a 10-23-8 home record in the series. D.C. United is scheduled to play Atlanta United FC at Audi Field on Saturday.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Tai Baribo’s two first-half goals supplied the difference for D.C. United, which held on after Santiago Rodríguez brought Columbus Crew within one goal early in the second half. The result came despite Columbus controlling possession and finishing with more shots and corners.
Nono’s assist and chance creation helped D.C. United establish its early lead, while Rowles and Peltola contributed defensively as the club protected the advantage. D.C. United will next welcome Atlanta United FC to Audi Field.
Source: Original report
