Picture Credits: Columbus Crew
Coming off a victory in Toronto Wednesday night, it felt like the Black and Gold were gaining momentum. The Black and Gold are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak with the draw against Philadelphia. But, that would not be without controversy.
Columbus thought they would get the lead off a Lucas Zelerayan first-timer in the second half. Pedro Santos played the ball into Zelerayan, who then hit it outside the boot first time.
"I don't know how that goal's called back. I'm going to give you an education a bit for people that don't understand it. He's not screening the goalkeeper. If Andre Blake was screened, he would've been complaining right after. He didn't even dive. There is nothing on that play that should have been called back:, head coach Caleb Porter said following the match. "The ball goes to the other side. If [Erik Hurtado] is in front of the goalkeeper and dummies it, then it's called back. But it shouldn't have been called back."
The Black and Gold looked really good in this match, virtually shutting down any Philadelphia attack that would arise. The Black and Gold defense has been among the best in the league this season, and that proved true Sunday night. Eloy Room had to come up with a crucial save with just under ten minutes left in route to his fifth clean sheet of the season.
Takeaways
Columbus Needs To Find Form At Home
I never thought I would be saying this, but this team looks better on the road. The Black and Gold under head coach Caleb Porter have been notorious for not doing well on the road. This season, they only have lost twice on the road, and have won two of their past three road games. Now for Columbus, they need to start picking up points at home.
Columbus Midfield Is A Strong Point
The Black and Gold are super deep in the middle of the park. Led by Darlington Nagbe, Artur, Aidan Morris, James Igbekeme, and recently Sean Zawadzki have all played meaningful minutes in the midfield. Whoever is picked to feature in the middle of the park, you can be sure that they will be a focal point of the match.
What's Next?
A lot of excitement regarding the next match for the Black and Gold. In what is highly regarded as the debut of club-record signing Cucho Hernandez from Watford, Columbus will travel to the Windy City for a matchup with Xherdan Shaqiri and the Chicago Fire. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST from Soldier Field.
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