Columbus Crew SC fought from behind to nick all three points from Sporting Kansas City in a wild game at MAPFRE Stadium that ended up 3-2 in favor of the home side.
Early pressure from Sporting KC was rewarded early in the game as Marcel de Jong put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute.
Crew SC levelled the game in the 34th minute. The impressive Harrison Afful went on a darting run down the flank before pulling the ball across to Federico Hiquain whose ripping shot crashed back off of the crossbar and back into play for Kei Kamara to out-muscle his markers and whip the ball across the goal to his partner in crime Ethan Finlay who unconventionally chested the ball over the line.
The second half saw a shift in balance as the home team looked the more likely to score. However, Sporting managed to capitalize on a Wil Trapp error and break away towards the Crew SC goal. US National team midfielder Graham Zusi picked up the ball outside the area before working his way forward and curling his shot beyond the diving Steve Clark in the Crew SC goal.
Crew SC continued to push on as Coach Gregg Berhalter used his sub bench to bolster the attacking pressure with Hector Jimenez, Cedrick and Jack McInerney all having noticeable contributions.
Higuain became the difference maker late in the game as the Argentine forwards free Kick ended up on the foot of Tony Tchani who gracefully planted the ball in the back of the net to level the score and give the home team a sniff of blood to push on for a much needed victory.
The winning goal happened with just two minutes of normal time left. This time Hiquain watched as his volley was saved by Kansas City ‘keeper Tim Melia who unfortunately (for KC fans) could only parry the ball across the goal and onto the outstretched boot of McInerney to pick up his first goal in yellow.
Crew SC take the road for a return match against New York City FC next week before the next MAPFRE Stadium game against FC Dallas on September 6.
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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.