[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he road has not been kind to Columbus Crew SC this year, and Wednesday’s midweek match against Philadelphia Union was no exception.
Riding into the game off a 2-2 draw at Orlando City SC, the Black and Gold had hopes of earning win number one on the road but instead were shutdown in a 3-0 loss.
“I think the starting point is that the Philadelphia Union played an outstanding game,” Crew SC Head Coach and Sporting Director Gregg Berhalter said following Wednesday’s match. “And when you look at how effective they were, how they were winning challenges and moving the ball and the competitive desire to win the game; it was outstanding.”
C.J. Sapong made the first strike just before the end of the first half. Justin Meram slipped in midfield and lost possession of the ball, allowing Maurice Edu to take it the other way. Christian Maidana would take the ball and give it to Sebastien Le Toux in the box. Le Toux put a pass along the face of the goal, allowing Sapong to tap it home.
The Union would hold a 1-0 lead at the end of the half.
Crew SC would surrender two goals within six minutes early in the second half, putting the Black and Gold into a 3-0 deficit they never recovered from.
Steve Clark would cost his side the second goal in the 52nd minute, as he scooped up a ball and as he ran out to pass it, he slipped and gave up possession. Vincent Nogueira for Philadelphia would swoop in with a chip shot from 25 yards out for the 2-0 advantage.
Le Toux would secure his side’s victory six minutes when Sheanon Williams charged down the right sideline and maneuvered around Emanuel Pogatetz to set Le Toux up for the score.
“Philly did a very good job of controlling the match. They were the first to every ball and they dictated the tempo. So it was a good performance,” Berhalter said of the Union.
Crew SC return to MAPFRE Stadium Saturday to host Montreal Impact at 7:30 p.m. The Pit’s Brent hawk will be at that match to provide live coverage.
