A host of first half missed chances and the defiant woodwork of the visitors’ goal denied Columbus Crew SC from running away with Saturday evening’s game. A second half goal from New York Red Bulls meant Crew SC would settle for a point, as the match ended 1-1.
Wave after wave of direct attacking football during the first half hour of the game resulted in Gyasi Zardes scoring again with a towering header off of a Harrison Afful cross, which left Red Bulls’ keeper Luis Robles stranded in no man’s land.
Poor finishing, a handful of quality saves from Robles, a free-kick that cannoned back off the crossbar, and another goal bound-looking header that struck the post meant that Columbus failed to capitalize on their dominance. They went into the second half with a slender 1-0 lead.
Alex Muyl headed in Marc Rzatkowski’s free kick 10 minutes into the second half to give New York the unexpected sucker-punch equalizer, and while Crew SC finished the remainder of the game largely camped in the Red Bull’s half, they were unable to find the back of the net.
After last week’s 3-3 comeback draw, this draw feels more like a missed opportunity. However, the Crew are still undefeated in nine games going into Wednesday evening’s home game against Atlanta.
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.
