Crew SC Goes Into Road Trip 0-2

Columbus Crew SC started the 2016 campaign with two disappointing losses. So, what next steps do they need to take to turn around the long season? They begin a three-game road trip this Saturday at Chicago. But first, a quick recap of the first two matches.

The Rematch

Besides Frederico Higuain’s amazing bicycle kick goal that silenced that darn Timbers Army, the opener had very little to get excited about. The montages of CCSC losing the MLS Cup in December over…and over….and over were enough to send one into a drinking spiral — then the team had to watch as the championship banner was risen in the stadium.

Seriously, MLS…we couldn’t have played someone else to kick off the season?

As for the game, goals were scored for Portland by Diego Valeri in the 23rd minute and Fanendo Adi in the 79th minute. The Higuain golazo came in the 68th minute. Check it out here:

https://vine.co/v/iXDPvUV7AWM

The biggest struggle for CCSC was defensively and in the midfield. Harrison Afful played well in an otherwise lackluster defensive performance, and CCSC just couldn’t get a counter-attack working. Kei Kamara kept getting pushed outside, creating very few opportunities. The final score was a very soccer-like Portland Timbers 2, Columbus Crew SC 1.

Overall, it was an okay game for being in one of the best atmospheres in the league. The Timbers Army always bring their A-game. Take a look at the awesome tifo they created for the match.

You always remember your first. #PORvCLB pic.twitter.com/1sg7cpIrXu

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 6, 2016

The Home Opener

The Crew home opener, or “Crewmas”, as the supporters lovingly call it, was two things: An awesome party and reunion of all the supporters and friends we haven’t seen in four months, and a disappointing loss against the Philadelphia Union. The tailgating atmosphere was great and A-plus weather contributed. (It should be a fun year for all the supporters groups.)

The game was similar to the Portland match in a lot of ways. The team just seemed a step behind until subs were made in crunchtime in the last 10 minutes. Philadelphia ended 2015 in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, so an even match was expected. CCSC poorly defended a set piece (not surprising) that led to a Chris Pontius goal in the 45th minute. A surprisingly unorganized midfield gave the ball away entirely too often, and couldn’t get anything moving on the offensive side. Making matters worse: Philadelphia’s keeper, Andre Blake, played lights out.

Kamara gave CCSC fans a glimmer of hope with a goal in the 87th minute but couldn’t close it out. CCSC pressed more than they did in the previous 87 minutes, but couldn’t find the equalizer. Final score (again): Columbus Crew SC 1, Philadelphia Union 2.

A Month Away

CCSC starts a three-game road trip before returning to MAPFRE Stadium on April 16 against NYCFC at 7:30 p.m. Being on the road this early in the season is good and bad. Ideally, CCSC gets a few points out of Chicago and Dallas.

The schedule is as follows:

3/19 – 5 p.m. at Chicago Fire
4/2 – 9 p.m.at FC Dallas
4/9 – 4 p.m. at Montreal Impact