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WASHINGTON (AP) — Federico Higuain scored twice to help Columbus open the season with a 3-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night in Gregg Berhalter's first game as the Crew's coach.
Jairo Arrieta also scored in the Crew's third straight victory over United, this one coming despite the suspension of 2013 scoring leader Dominic Oduro.
United extended its league winless streak to 13 games. The Washington team's last league victory was at home against Montreal on Aug. 3 of last year, although it did also win the 2013 U.S. Open Cup.
Columbus scored twice in nine minutes, going ahead in the 18th when Arrieta stuck a one-time finish past goalkeeper Bill Hamid after reaching Josh Williams' cross. Replays showed Arrieta stayed behind the ball — and thus onside — until Williams' cross was hit.
Higuain scored in the 27th on a penalty kick after referee Andres Pfefferkorn ruled United's Perry Kitchen pulled down Michael Parkhurst inside the penalty area. Higuain scored again in the 90th on a one-time finish after a perfect cross from substitute Justin Meram.
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