Skip to content

Kei Kamara scores his 21st goal as the Columbus Crew top D.C. United

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Kei Kamara took a look at his challengers for the MLS Golden Boot, then laughed them off by scoring his 21st goal and adding an assist, as the Columbus Crew defeated D.C. United 2-1 at RFK Stadium on Saturday.

The pressure was on Kamara to keep his lead in the scoring race after Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco notched his 18th and 19th goals of the season earlier in the day. Since Giovinco has crept closer to Kamara on the goal chart, the Crew forward was particularly hungry to score and maintain his lead.

But Kamara proved himself a team player first and foremost, playing provider rather than poacher on one particular play near the half-hour mark to open the scoring.

Kamara headed a cross backwards to Tyson Wahl, who controlled and used his physicality to turn his defender in the box. Wahl then slipped the ball in to Ethan Finley, who finished the effort to put the Crew up 1-0.

They say good things come to those who wait, and for Kamara, his goal would finally come early in the second half. Midfielder Tony Tchani picked out a long through pass for Kamara to chase, and chase he did, streaking down the middle before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

Kamara celebrated his league-best 21st goal, happy as can be, as the Crew went up 2-0.

Columbus' lead was cut in half in the 68th minute after Crew defender Chris Klute conceded a penalty from a hand ball in the box. D.C. forward Chris Rolfe stepped up to the penalty spot and buried the chance with ease put the home side on the board.

D.C. United tried to find an equalizer but just couldn't muster that opportunity, succumbing to the Crew and dropping all three points in a crucial Eastern Conference fixture.

With the win, Columbus can now qualify for the MLS playoffs if Orlando City SC loses or draws against the Chicago Fire, a game that goes later on Saturday night.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox