COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Three Points to Wednesday’s 1-1 draw between the LA Galaxy and the Columbus Crew.
CREW HOLD STRONG ON EMOTIONAL NIIGHT
On a night honoring the passing of late Columbus Crew midfielder Kirk Urso, the Crew responded valiantly.
WATCH: Columbus Crew Video Tribute to Kirk Urso
From the start of the match, the Crew dictated the tempo against the Galaxy and were able to overwhelm the LA midfield, forcing several key turnovers that led to scoring opportunities. Columbus found their goal two minutes into the second half with a Jairo Arrieta goal and while the Galaxy would soon equalize, the Crew were able to hold on for the draw.
For a Columbus team that is currently thick in the Eastern Conference playoff chase, Wednesday’s point could be an important mental lift for the Crew.
RIGHT SIDE OF MIDFIELD FUELS GALAXY COMEBACK
After Columbus’ early goal in the second half, the LA Galaxy were in need of some offense and it came from the right side of midfield midway through the half.
In the 64th minute, Michael Stephens played in a through-ball that found a streaking Franklin down the right side. With the ball at his feet, the Galaxy right back then nutmegged Columbus’ Dilly Duka before firing a pinpoint cross to Robbie Keane for the equalizer. The goal gives Keane a total of 11 on the season and the Irish forward has now scored in nine of his last 11 matches.
LA nearly equalized in the 90th minute when Jose Villarreal forced a diving stop from Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, but were ultimately unable to pull ahead. WATCH
SAUNDERS EFFORT GIVES THE GALAXY A POINT
Although Keane’s goal gave the Galaxy a point, it was the play of goalkeeper Josh Saunders that kept the Galaxy in the match.
With Columbus flying from the start of the match, the Crew peppered the Galaxy net holding a shot advantage of 20 to nine. This forced Saunders into duty several times as the goalkeeper made three saves on the night—all coming in the first half.
Saunders’ night was not perfect, however, as an Arrieta shot deflected off Saunders into the net for the Crew’s lone goal on the night.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider
