COLUMBUS, OH – After securing a controversial draw against interstate rivals FC Cincinnati, the Columbus Crew were back on home soil, in search of a crucial three points against Inter Miami CF, the team sitting right above the Crew in the Eastern Conference Standings. With key pieces missing for the visiting team from the Sunshine State, head coach Caleb Porter emphasized that the hunger and grit the team had over the weekend, is the same hunger and grit the team needed to get a win.
A last minute adjustment to the Crew lineup as midfielder Lucas Zelarayan became a last minute scratch, sure did change up how Porter attacked this match.
First Half
To say that the first half between the No. 6 and No. 7 team in the East was a solid half is an overstatement. Neither team could generate a clear-cut chance in the first half hour of play. Columbus came close twice, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Crew, who lacked urgency and were unorganized in the first 30 minutes, looked better as the first half came to a close.
Second Half
Columbus started the second half with more energy. Gaining two corner kicks in the opening 10 minutes, the Black & Gold were finally settling into the game. Winger Luis Diaz had a good look on goal, but his shot saild high over the crossbar.
Diaz had another decent opportunity in the 61st minute as he gathered the ball in the offensive half of Columbus, and dribbled into the box. The ensuing shot off of his left foot was on target but saved by Miami keeper Nick Marsman.
Diaz breaks the ice
The infamous saying “Third time is a charm” came into play, when defender Steven Moreira hit a throughball to Diaz who walked in on Marsman and slotted the ball home to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.
THE TIE IS BROKEN. #Crew96 | #VamosColumbus pic.twitter.com/YeIZPxrsLc
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) September 1, 2022
Columbus for the ladder portion of the second half had Miami right where they wanted them, making the opposition turnover the ball, mistakes in their own defensive half and breaking the lines with through ball passes.
With the second half coming to a close, the Crew looked to have made a statement and switched to a five-back defensive shape with the entrances of Jalil Anibaba and Josh Williams.
Miami had a last gasp chance when Gonzalo Higuain had a rocket shot just go high over the crossbar and out for a Crew goalkick.
Columbus would see the game out, holding on to the 1-0 lead despite the late push from Miami in an attempt to secure a late equalizer.
What’s next?
Columbus is back home Saturday September 3 to take on the Chicago Fire. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 pm EDT.
