A late fight-back and some last-minute, heart-in-mouth drama almost spoiled the evening, but in the end Columbus Crew SC continued their winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United FC.
Another evenly fought game was broken in the 31st minute when Pedro Santos’ perfectly placed cross found the head of Lucas Zelarayan, giving the Argentine his fifth goal of the year.
It could’ve, and should’ve, been two for Zelarayan just before the break when Crew SC were given a penalty for a foul on Luis Diaz. Unfortunately, for Crew fans at least, Zelarayan uncomfortably sent his shot over the crossbar.
Santos looked to have put the game to bed late in the second half with a well-taken goal but Minnesota staged a late comeback that had Crew fans begging for the final whistle.
With two minutes of regular time remaining, Robin Lod pulled a goal back for the visitors as Columbus conceded for the first time this year at MAPFRE, and in stoppage time Michael Boxall looked to have scored the equalizer, yet after a linesman flag and a few tense VAR checking moments later, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Crew SC maintain top spot in the league and are now six games unbeaten.
Next up, Columbus hits the road to face Toronto FC on Sunday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit columbuscrewsc.com.
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 on his Instagram.
All photos by Matt Ellis
