Federico Higuain’s classy free-kick was just about enough to secure another home win for the Crew, but he’ll be buying Steve Clark’s next drink as the Crew number 1 yet again performed heroics to deny New England and make Hiquain’s missed penalty a nonissue as Columbus ran out 1-0 winners Saturday night at Crew Stadium.
The Crew faithful packed the stands as Dollar brats and beers were consumed, bobble head’s were given away and Frankie Hejduk received his half-time induction into the Crew Circle of Honor.
The Crew dominated the first half of the game, but despite a few clear cut chances they couldn’t find the finishing they’ve enjoyed of late at home.
With only a few minutes on the second half clock, Hiquain struck with a curling strike that flew into the top corner beyond New England’s Bobby Shuttleworth.
The Crew looked to put the game out of reach in the 84th minute when they were awarded a penalty for AJ Soares’ late tackle that put the Crew winger onto the turf in a heap.
Unfortunately, the Hiquain penalty voodoo struck and the forward scuffed his shot into the hands of Shuttleworth.
Then with minutes to go in the game, Steve Clark pulled off what could be a hugely important save when he got finger-tips to a goal bound effort from New England’s Charlie Davies. The resulting celebrations from Clark were the kind you normally see from a lottery winner and giving the Crew exactly what Frankie would’ve wanted on his night.
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Matt Ellis is a freelance photographer who covers bands that visit the city and the Columbus Crew MLS team. More about Matt can be found at Matt Ellis Photography.