Former Belgium international Christian Benteke continued his scoring form and Golden Boot dream on track after DC United drew with Columbus Crew.

With two goals in the 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, the Belgian star now has a league-leading 21 goals and six assists. However, the contributions of the former Premier League standout go beyond scoring.
“His leadership, his commitment to playing the style of play – he sets the line for us very often,” D.C. United head coach Troy Lesesne said post-game. “He puts in a ton of work against the ball. It would be easy for a guy like that to take a playoff here or there; he doesn’t.
“I think he’s been rewarded this year by buying into what this identity is that we’re trying to create. I’ve said this countless times, and I’ve said it to him directly, I am very fortunate to work with a guy like that. There’s no doubt about it; a player like that makes any coach better.”
Nevertheless, Benteke’s goals only carry a certain weight. He is highly focused on qualifying for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, a goal the club hasn’t reached since Wayne Rooney’s departure in 2019.
With three games remaining, D.C. are 12th on the Eastern Conference standings and three points below the cutoff line.
“We’re still in the race,” Benteke said. “… If we play the way we played tonight, we will surely have more points.”
Benteke’s 27 goals account for almost 60% of the Black and Red’s goals this season. His performance determines their chances in the postseason.
“If he’s in this form in these last three matches, we’ve got a chance,” Lesesne said.

MLS Golden Boot pres. by Audi: Matchday 35