Columbus Crew's three-match winning streak has come to an end with a narrow defeat at Eastern Conference rivals D.C. United.

Chris Pontius scored the only goal of the game four minutes into the second half, slamming home into the top left corner from close range.

Pontius was a constant threat to the visitors' defence and he came close to extending United's lead, however the Californian winger was twice denied by goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.

United have now moved above New York Red Bulls into third, while Crew remain seventh.