Juan Hernández, known simply as Cucho, was shown a red card (violent action) in the 75th and Columbus played a man down the rest of the way.
The Crew (3-1-3) is winless in three consecutive games following a four-game unbeaten streak — including three wins — to open the season.
Christian Benteke scored his fifth goal of the season give D.C. United a 1-0 lead in the 61st minute.
D.C. United (2-1-4) is unbeaten since a 3-1 home loss to Luis Suárez, who scored two late goals, and Inter Miami on March 16.
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