After putting together an impressive second-half campaign, D.C. United’s playoff run this season was cut short by the Columbus Crew last week.
The two teams faced off in the knockout round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they played through extra time and into a penalty shootout. While United had battled its way back from a 2-1 deficit in extra time, the team’s two biggest stars, Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney, had their penalty kicks saved by Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen.
Even after the Crew’s Gyasi Zardes and Patrick Mullins missed their penalty kicks, United could not take control.