Columbus.- With their first ever win over Seattle at Mapfre Stadium, Crew SC proved once again that they are the solidest team when they play at home. The only team that was able to get away with points (the full three) was New York Red Bulls with a 2-1 win. It wasn’t a blowout by any means, but it would’ve been if Ethan Finlay scored at least one of the many chances he had. Seattle got close and pressured during the last stretch of the game, but the host held on and remained victorious.
What changed from last week at RFK Stadium? The pace. They played faster, plain and simple. They moved the ball quickly and generated enough chances to score. But it wasn’t just the speed of the attack it was also the accuracy of the crosses. Last week they threw 40 crosses to the bulk. Tonight they stopped and looked at the teammate on the best position to receive the ball.
For Crew SC Head Coach Gregg Berhalter the rival’s approach had a lot to do with the different outcome of the game versus last week’s:
“I don’t think Seattle has the same defensive structure as DC[United]. DC[United] is a very well structured defensive team. And Seattle is just different. It was a great game, a great opponent.They took it to us. That was a good game.”
It is undeniable to recognize that Kei Kamara is having a terrific season so far as well as the entire offensive frontcourt. However tonight they were facing the most dangerous offensive duo in Dempsey and Martins, and even though the Duce scored twice the Columbus defensive line stepped up, especially Pogatetz with his aerial game and his anticipation.
The importance of not leaving spaces behind the full backs was another key for Crew SC to contain the Sounders offense. The reliever was not a defender; it was Ethan Finlay. The winger used his speed not only to try to score goals or generate offensive chances, but to cover Hector Jiménez and Waylon Francis backs.
For Seattle Midfielder Gonzalo Pineda his team never found the way to the opponent’s game: “I think we knew it was going to be a difficult game, with a good positional game from them. We tried to hold a little bit and keep patient. They scored pretty early, and we tied, and after we had tied they have their singular style.We had some struggled on the midfield with their movements, and I think we never find the way to solved. Of course, we were dangerous at times with Clint and Oba but it wasn’t enough.”
The controversy surrounded the game after Dempsey’s second goal where he appeared to be offside. After the match Edvin Jurisevic responded to the pools reporters questions:
Were Martins or Dempsey offside on the second Seattle goal?
“The answer is no. [Obafemi] Martins was judged to be onside, and [Clint] Dempsey was judged to be even with the ball and they were therefore judged onside on the field.”
Was the linesman in position to see it?
“The assistant referee was slightly behind the play.”
Did You consider the shot a deflection or a play by Steve Clark?
“It was judged to be a deliberate save.”
Columbus held on the pressure. Put the game in the freezer and let the time run to defeat the reigning Supporters Shield and Open Cup Champions for the first time at Mapfre Stadium, with intelligence and without any controversy in the final result.
