|
|
Crew Triumph In Costa Rica Over Saprissa
The MLS team managed a crucial away win at the Purple Monster.
Sep 17, 2009 1:33:57 AM
The Columbus Crew managed what the USA national team has not - a win away at the famed Saprissa Stadium in Costa Rica. One goal gained the victory for the Crew in CONCACAF Champions Cup action versus Saprissa.
First Half
Things started off well early for the Crew, as Eddie Gaven scored in the fifth minute.
Gaven made a run from midfield, beating defender Andrés Núñez before firing past goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The Crew featured a young squad that did not include reigning Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
But even though Steven Lenhart was booked with a yellow before the 20 minute mark, Columbus was calm and canny with their lead, keeping the ball low on the artificial turf and playing sharp, short passes.
Saprissa tried to equalize by sending numerous long passes, but the Crew defenders stayed organized and denied most opportunities. Anything that got through was taken care of by goalkeeper Will Hesmer.
Second Half
Hesmer was booked in the 57th minute of the second half for time wasting, as Saprissa brought heavy pressure to bear on Columbus.
Yet despite camping out in the Crew's half of the field, Saprissa could not break through for the equalizer.
Vargas had perhaps the best chance in the 88th minute, but his header was just a bit off.
Late yellows were given to Walter Centeno of Saprissa and Robbie Rogers of the Crew, but that had no effect on the final outcome.
The Crew had previously been spanked in their earlier away game, to Mexico's Cruz Azul, losing by five goals. Perhaps some important lessons had been learned, however, as the Crew closed out their early advantage with the 1-0 win.
Now the Crew have six points in their group, trailing Cruz Azul by only one. Saprissa are left with only three.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
First Half
Things started off well early for the Crew, as Eddie Gaven scored in the fifth minute.
Gaven made a run from midfield, beating defender Andrés Núñez before firing past goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The Crew featured a young squad that did not include reigning Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
But even though Steven Lenhart was booked with a yellow before the 20 minute mark, Columbus was calm and canny with their lead, keeping the ball low on the artificial turf and playing sharp, short passes.
Saprissa tried to equalize by sending numerous long passes, but the Crew defenders stayed organized and denied most opportunities. Anything that got through was taken care of by goalkeeper Will Hesmer.
Second Half
Hesmer was booked in the 57th minute of the second half for time wasting, as Saprissa brought heavy pressure to bear on Columbus.
Yet despite camping out in the Crew's half of the field, Saprissa could not break through for the equalizer.
Vargas had perhaps the best chance in the 88th minute, but his header was just a bit off.
Late yellows were given to Walter Centeno of Saprissa and Robbie Rogers of the Crew, but that had no effect on the final outcome.
The Crew had previously been spanked in their earlier away game, to Mexico's Cruz Azul, losing by five goals. Perhaps some important lessons had been learned, however, as the Crew closed out their early advantage with the 1-0 win.
Now the Crew have six points in their group, trailing Cruz Azul by only one. Saprissa are left with only three.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.