FC Dallas 0-Columbus Crew 0
Usually at this time of the year when two of the top sides in the league meet one can expect a cagey affair with both teams defenses being tested. That is just what happened on Saturday night at Toyota Park when FC Dallas (14-6-8, 50 points) hosted the Columbus Crew (12-8-8, 48 points). With two of the top young goalkeepers in tow and two of the best defenses in the league the sides delivered a 0-0 result and a point for each club.
Entering into the match both sides opted to go with a 4-5-1, putting in an extra defensive midfielder to cut off the passing lanes. That in turn led to minimal scoring chances for both sides. While Columbus did outshoot Dallas 16-10 The Hoops actually held the shots on goal advantage 2-1. That turned out to matter little though as Crew goalkeeper Zach Steffen made two saves to keep the clean sheet. Dallas’ best opportunity perhaps came in injury time when substitute Tesho Akindele had a clear chance on goal stopped by Steffen.
With the draw, Columbus keeps their four point advantage on the Philadelphia Union (12-12-4, 40 points) for the number four seed in the Eastern Conference. They also gained a bit of ground on third place New York City (14-8-7, 49 points).
Meanwhile the draw actually hurts Dallas because with Sporting Kansas City (15-7-6, 51 points) winning they take over the top spot in the Western Conference. Their home match on October 21st against SKC looks more and more likely as if it will determine who will be the number one seed.
On hand to cover Saturday’s match was Prost photographer Eric Guzman. Please enjoy his photos below!
FC Dallas
Columbus Crew
