They cut forlorn figures, the D.C. United players, after falling to the Columbus Crew in a painful penalty shootout. But once the misery of falling at the first hurdle of the playoffs had passed, it was clear that there was much to be positive about from this 2018 season.
Yes, many had tipped them to challenge the might of the Red Bulls and Atlanta in the Eastern Conference playoffs, such was their blistering form through the latter stages of the regular season. And yes, losing to the Crew was certainly not on the cards of a successful season’s end.