COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a game that was a classic tale of two halves, Columbus Crew SC and the New York Red Bulls battled to a 1-1 draw.
The beginning of the game was all Columbus. The Crew managed to send 15 shots toward the Red Bulls net, an impressive amount considering nine of their 15 games this season have seen fewer than 14 shots total. However, Luis Robles, playing in his first game back from injury, made incredible save after incredible save to keep New York alive. The only blemish on his record was when Harrison Afful dropped a pass on a dime to Gyasi Zardes on the back post. Zardes was completely unmarked in the box, which proved to be an unwise decision as he scored his 10th goal of the season. It is just the second time in his career that he has scored double digit goals.
“[Robles] is a great goalkeeper. I wish today he hadn’t had such a good game,” Columbus head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “I have a lot of respect for Luis.”
Momentum changed early in the second half.
The Red Bulls had three quick shots to start after the break, eclipsing their first half shot total of two in a hurry. They dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half, culminating on a free kick goal from Alex Muyl, assisted by Marc Rzatkowski. The ball went easily past Jon Kempin, starting in his second consecutive game while Zack Steffen played with the national team against France.
Meanwhile, Robles was barely tested, facing just four shots in the second half, none on target. It wasn’t until Columbus adjusted its formation and brought in Eduardo Sosa that the Crew were able to consistently create chances again.
By then, it was too late. Incoming inclement weather made for a tough playing field as the wind constantly changed directions and knocked down any long ball that Columbus attempted to play.
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“You have to score the second goal in this game. Give [New York] credit for adjusting at half time … but I don’t think we matched that intensity in the second half. … To me it comes down to not finishing opportunities in the first half,” Berhalter said.
The Crew lamented missed opportunities.
“We had a ton of chances in the first half. If those chances go in, we win the game,” winger Mike Grella said, “We lost our shape. We lost our focus. We let them back in the game. I don’t think they did much to get back in the game.”
Despite the disappointment over the result, there is still room for optimism. Crew SC remain undefeated in nine straight. Pedro Santos returned from his thigh injury, as did Jonathan Mensah. But there’s no rest for the weary, as Columbus have a quick turnaround to face Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta United on Wednesday. Steffen and Columbus captain Wil Trapp will be back from international duty for that game, but it is unknown if they will be able to start.