Another 2-1 loss, this one at Columbus, keeps D.C. United sputtering

Christian Benteke found the net, but United is winless in its past seven MLS matches and its past eight in all competition.

Columbus's Steven Moreira, left, and D.C.'s João Peglow pursue the ball in the first half at Lower.com Field. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)D.C. United has become more competitive under interim coach Kevin Flanagan, but mistakes and a glaring absence of attacking threats continue to mar close matches.

Saturday night’s 2-1 away loss to the Columbus Crew was the same margin as the previous two setbacks, extending United’s winless streak to seven in MLS and eight in all competitions.