On a beautiful Wednesday night, the Columbus Crew took on Inter Miami at home with huge playoff implications. Both teams are tied with 36 points and sit 6th and 7th respectfully. In the early part of the game, The Crew looked to play at a slow pace and being methodical with their passing. The black & Gold began to slowly attack the defense of Miami. 25th minute Luis Diaz went down with an injury after being fouled. following the stoppage in play, the Crew went on the offensive and after some shifty footwork from Cucho Hernandez, put a shot on goal at the top corner of the box that was gloved out by Miami's keeper to keep the game leveled at 0-0.
with Columbus playing in a different formation for this game, the front line of the defense pressed high after settling down in the first part of the game. Once the defensive pressure was established, the offensive attack began to open small channels to slip in behind and create shots and chances to score. Late in the first half, Cucho still was dazzling the crowd when he had a beautiful bicycle kick that just went a little high over the cross bar.
at the end of the first half, the Black & Gold appeared to have finished the assignment of studying the defensive front of Miami and took into the locker room notes on what to change after half time.
at the half score still remained level at 0-0
as the second half got under way, the Crew came out increasing the pace of the game and more aggressive on the offensive attack. Milos Degenek played arguably his best game of the season. Going up against players like Gonzalo Higuain and Ari Lassiter was a big test and Milos stepped up big. With help from Jonathan Mensah, Steven Moreira, and Will Sands, Milos completed the back line of defense for Columbus that limited Miami to zero shots on goal in the first half.
finally, in the 64th minute, Columbus caught fire and struck first. With Cucho dribbling up field and showing of his dance moves, he was able to find a streaking Luiz Dias up the wing with a touch pass between the defender's legs. once Diaz had possession, he showed his shifty footwork off and shot a cannon of shot that landed in the back of the net at the lower left corner of the goal.
Although the Black & Gold began to settle down and play conservative, they still played a little aggressive at times. They were a little more poised and picked the times they wanted to be aggressive.
As time ticked away, the 4th official announced there would be 5 minutes of stoppage time. finally late in stoppage time, Miami was able to get a shot on goal. Columbus had a turnover in their own box, which in return Gonzalo Higuain attempted to make the Crew pay with the shot, Eloy Room came up with the biggest save of the game to keep the Crew up 1-0.
at full time the whistle blew, and the Columbus Crew were able to walk away with a 1-0 win and walked away with a much needed 3 points to keep their playoff chances alive.
tune in this Saturday, as The Crew are back in action to take on Chicago Fire and look to keep their playoff push alive.