DC United interim boss Ashton apologizes after 'embarrassing' 7-0 loss to Union

DC United made a whole lot of unwanted entries into the record books against the Philadelphia Union on Friday night.

Their 7-0 (seven-nil!) thrashing at Subaru Park saw United allow seven goals for the first time in club history, while it's only the fifth time in MLS history that a team has conceded five goals in the first half of a match.

That's barely scratching the surface but if the records don't give you an indication of just how much DC were outplayed by the Union, here are the stats:

• Shots: 24-11
• On target: 12-3
• Big chances: 9-2
• Expected goals: 5.64-0.79

You can be angry, upset, and frustrated in equal measure, but is there any other emotion to feel after such a result than pure embarrassment?

“It was an embarrassing performance,” interim DC coach Chad Ashton confirmed after the match.

He added: “They out-competed us, they out-worked us, they out-played us, they out-wanted us. I don’t have a lot of explanations. It’s embarrassing. I apologize to our fans. I apologize to our management. I apologize for such a poor performance.”

As if it could get any worse, Friday's result comes off the back of DC United - bottom of the Eastern Conference - seemingly turning a corner with a 5-3 win away at Orlando City in mid-week.

Instead, it looks like they've kept all the defensive flaws from that performance while forgetting how to find the net themselves.

Some harsh self-reflection might be required.

“Maybe it’s not a lift up, maybe it’s being a little tougher on guys and calling people out, making sure we’re holding everyone responsible," said center-back Steve Birnbaum. "Because, you know, we can’t keep putting in performances like this. It’s unacceptable.”

Next up for DC United is a home tie against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.