Columbus Crew SC kicked off their 2021 MLS season on Sunday evening with a slightly rusty looking display against Philadelphia Union at Historic Crew Stadium ending things at 0-0.
Crew SC came into the game on the back of two victories in the Champions League and a starting line-up that mostly resembled that of last year, yet the intensity and precision that last season saw the team brush away Seattle wasn’t quite there yet as passes and shots often missed their intended targets.
Neither team were able to establish dominance in an evenly contested game, but the home team did have their chances with Lucas Zelerayan and Artur both putting Andre Blake, in the Philadelphia goal, to the test.
The Union also had a handful of chances, however, Crew ‘keeper Eloy Room produced a string of great saves to keep the game level.
And it wouldn’t be an MLS game without a bit of refereeing confusion and VAR drama, and we got both after Pedro Santos was fouled outside the box for the ref to point to the spot, only to overrule himself minutes later on a VAR check.
The Crew are back for more CONCACAF action on Wednesday, April 28 before an early afternoon MLS game against Montreal on Saturday, May 1.
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
