Crew Drops 2-1 Decision to D.C. United in First Preseason Exhibition Match

BRADENTON, FL - February 10, 2009 - The MLS Cup-champion Columbus Crew fell to D.C. United, 2-1, this morning at the IMG Academies in its first preseason exhibition match of 2009.

The match was an energetic, up-and-down affair as both sides looked to hit the ground running and make a good first impression for the upcoming season. The Crew recorded its lone tally in the 58th minute, off an unassisted goal by forward Jason Garey.

The Black and Gold will train Wednesday morning before taking the field for exhibition matches this Thursday (Feb. 12) at 11 a.m., against the Puerto Rico Islanders (USL-1), and Saturday (Feb. 14) at 10 a.m. vs. the U.S. U-20 National Team.

Crew Lineups:
First Half – Andy Gruenebaum, Jed Zayner, Andrew Peters, Danny O’Rourke, Chris Clements, Emmanuel Ekpo, Duncan Oughton, Brian Carroll, Alex Grendi, Eddie Gaven, Steven Lenhart

Second Half – Andy Gruenebaum, Paul Gerstenberger, Andy Iro, Chad Marshall, Cory Elenio, Ty Shipalane, Brian Carroll, Stanley Nyazamba, Pat Noonan, Jason Garey, Guillermo Barros Schelotto