Brian McBride had a pair of goals as Columbus knocked off D.C. United, 3-1, March 19 in MLS Spring Training 2001 action. The Crew (1-0-1) now have eight tournament points, currently good for second place in the preseason tourney standings. “We are getting better each day, today was pretty good after a slow start,” Crew midfielder Brian Maisonneuve said. “Last year was a down year for us, this year we are a lot more focused and we aren’t going to have a repeat performance again.” McBride’s second goal came in the 67th minute, as the striker jumped on turnover by the United defense. McBride’s shot from the top of the box trickled through United goalkeeper Mark Simpson to make it 3-1. Columbus jumped in front 2-1 in the 52nd minute. Jeff Cunningham sent a cross into the box for Dante Washington, who turned on a pair of United defenders and laid the ball off to an onrushing McBride. The veteran striker easily beat United goalkeeper Mark Simpson from eight yards out for his first Spring Training goal. United (0-2) capitalized on a defensive miscue by the Crew in the fourth minute. Rookie Duncan Oughton and Mike Clark came together at the top of the box to play a long ball, and Oughton misplayed the ball allowing United striker Chris Albright to race into the box with possession. Albright easily beat Crew goalkeeper Tom Presthus from 12 yards out to make 1-0 United. Columbus found an equalizer in the 25th minute, off the foot of Brian West. The speedy winger took a nice feed from Maisonneuve on the right wing, beat an offside trap, and blasted a shot through D.C. ‘keeper Mark Simpson to tie the score at 1-1. Maisonneuve played his second Spring Training contest, after missing all of last season with injuries. “I feel pretty good, not quite a hundred percent yet. I’m missing a little strength in the ankle,” Maisonneuve said. “I don’t have my soccer sense back yet, that will come with minutes.” First-round SuperDraft choices Mark Lisi, Ryan Nelsen (both United) and Oughton (Crew) all started in this match. Lisi was making his preseason debut with United, starting at the attacking midfield position. Also making his United debut was Travis Mulraine, who was claimed off waivers just before Spring Training. The field at Lockhart Stadium held up remarkably well, considering the severe thunderstorms that blanketed the Ft. Lauderdale area for most of the day. Columbus will wrap up its Spring Training stint on March 23 against Colorado. United will face Los Angeles, also on March 23. March 19 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. D.C. United 1 Columbus Crew 3. Goals: Albright 4; West (Maisonneuve) 25, McBride (Washington, Cunningham) 52, McBride 67. D.C. United — Mark Simpson, Mark Watson, Craig Ziadie (Micah Cooks 81), Carey Talley (Tim Garlick 78), Brian Kamler, Ryan Nelsen (Travis Mulraine 46), Eric Denton (Caleb Norkus 83), Jose Alegria (Judah Cooks 46), Chris Albright, Mark Lisi (Bryan Namoff 46), Abdul Thompson Conteh Columbus — Tom Presthus (Mark Dougherty 46), Duncan Oughton (Mike Lapper 70), Mike Clark, Tenywa Bonseu, Marcus Steigiopoulos, Brian Maisonneuve (John Wilmar Perez 74), Robert Warzycha, Brian West, Jeff Cunningham, Brian McBride, Dante Washington (Mike Musina 69).