The Columbus Crew returned to action Tuesday night, this time in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, as they traveled North to take on Detroit City FC. This marks the first time Columbus has been in the tournament since its halt due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. This matchup didn’t feature many first team players, but head coach Caleb Porter brought in two Crew 2 players to round out the gameday squad.
It didn’t take long for the visitors to make their mark on the match.
Gyasi Zardes breaks the ice for Columbus Crew
Aidan Morris was brought down inside of the penalty area, giving Columbus a golden ticket to break the ice, as Gyasi Zardes stepped up to take the kick sliding it home to leapfrot the Crew to a 1-0 lead.
Cool as you like from @gyasinho ?#Crew96 | 0-1
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) April 20, 2022
pic.twitter.com/mQIvjoB2dZ
Columbus continued to apply heavy pressure in a hostile environment, not allowing Detroit City to generate opportunities.
Detroit came close to securing an equalizer in the 30th mine, when Rhys Williams had a shot on goal just mist the near post.
The Michigan side had another chance in the 37th minute, when they broke through the defensive side of Columbus but the chance was diminished.
The Crew started to play a bit more conservative, giving Detroit more possession on the ball, as their chacne by Antoine Hoppenot sailed high over the crossbar in the 42nd minute.
Nothing else would come of the first half, as Columbus would hold on to that early 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Detroit come alive
Early on in the second half, Columbus were shouting for another penalty as Zardes went in alone on goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher, who appeared to have clipped the California native on his attempt to go around the Detroit netminder, but the official didn’t give the call.
But things would become spicy in the 64th minute as Detroit City found the equalizer through a Maxi Rodriguez header.
No thoughts, only @MaxiRodrigue21 goals. #DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/h0tDSC9R5q
— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022
Detroit City would pick things up on their end, keeping Columbus on their toes with multiple chances on target but the Black & Gold would match the challenge and keep the score level at 1-1.
The home side would have the last laugh, as they were awarded a penalty kick in the 86th minute with Maxi Rodriguez converting to give the home side a 2-1 lead, and knock out the Columbus Crew in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
HE DOES IT AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE.@MaxiRodrigue21#DCTID | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Mz2iww42Da
— Detroit City FC (@DetroitCityFC) April 20, 2022
Columbus are on the road again this Saturday to face off against Sporting Kansas City to resume MLS play.
