Columbus Crew Ties Toronto in 2009 Home Opener

The Crew opened their home schedule on a very mild spring afternoon. The soccer loving fans of the Columbus supporters groups packed the Nordecke to capacity. The atmosphere was loud, the game had the energy of some of last year’s contests. However, the breaks the Crew were getting last year are drying up; shots bounce on the wrong side of the post. Unlike last year, the Crew were frustrated in a 1-1 tie against Toronto FC in the home opener.

Like last week, the game was a tale of two halves. The Crew were able to play their game in the 1st half. Stout defense, quick passes, and numerous scoring opportunities. midfielders Emmanuel Ekpo and Eddie Gaven both had shots that got people out of their seats, but it was a handball in the penalty area by Toronto sent Schelotto to the penalty spot. The vet shot the ball right down the middle for the 1-0 lead the team would carry into halftime.

The edge the Crew had in the 1st half dropped away and Toronto took advantage to pressure the Crew for almost the entire second half. The Crew defense bent under the waves of attack however each Toronto shot went well wide of goal (including one that almost his the roof of the stage). Ultimately, it would be a Crew player that would find the target. Toronto played another loping ball into the penalty area that defender Gino Padula headed perfectly past goalkeeper William Hesmer to tie the game at 1-1.

The Crew heads west this week for two games in four days. Only having two ties on the year, the schedule is only getting harder. The Crew heads west for games at Salt Lake on Thursday and Chivas USA on Sunday. While the team would love to get back to winning ways, it will be tougher to win without the fervent support that they have in Crew Stadium. That is what made yesterday’s tie feel like a loss; it’s tough to see the team drop games at home.

PJGuldan also writes at An American Game.