COLUMBUS, Ohio — D.C. United will try to finish off a season sweep of the Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon, but they will do it without the forward who has carried their attack all year.
Tai Baribo, who has 16 of the club’s 39 goals, will miss the 2 p.m. match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with an injury. D.C. United were knocked out of playoff contention Wednesday with a 2-1 loss at Toronto FC, and coach Rene Weiler said he will use the game to give younger players minutes.
Washington sits at 7-13-12 with 33 points and is 2-7-7 away from Audi Field this season. The Toronto loss did bring a first: midfielder Andre Dozzell found the net for the first time in his MLS career.
Columbus has plenty to play for. The Crew have won four in a row and six of their last seven to climb from last in the Eastern Conference on Sept. 1 to ninth. A win, plus losses or draws by Toronto and the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, would lock up a postseason spot.
D.C. United beat Columbus 2-1 at Audi Field on Sept. 9, their first win over the Crew in 10 tries going back to 2021. It is the most-played matchup in club history, with Columbus ahead 36-33-14.
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