Columbus Crew Win Over Philadelphia Union
By Aaron Rench
Philadelphia Union forward Aaron Wheeler (12) wins a header over Columbus Crew midfielder Hector Jimenez (12) in the first half of the game at Crew Stadium. The Columbus Crew beat the Philadelphia Union by the score of 2-1. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Columbus Crew now sit tied for first place after a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union. Both Columbus goals came from the foot of left winger Bernardo Añor.
The scoring started in the 24th minute when Federico Higuain‘s corner kick sailed to the back post and the wide open Añor who headed home the opening goal.
The second Añor goal happened in stoppage time just before the half. Añor blasted a stunning ball from a distance so far away from the net he may have been in a different time zone. If you aren’t willing to watch the highlights below, just know that this goal should be a candidate for Goal of the Week.
In the 62nd minute, Philadelphia sub Leonardo Fernandes was able to fight off defenders and convert a low cross from Sebastian Le Toux into a goal. Although it moved the Union closer to the tie game, Columbus keeper Steve Clark — he of the crazy/cool hair — was able to deny attempts from Fernandes and Jack McInerney. In the final minutes of the game, Philly’s Aaron Wheeler barely missed a would-be equalizer.
As mentioned before, both teams were playing for the rights to the top of the Eastern Conference. Houston led the East with 6 points. The Union would have moved to first with 7 points in 3 games, but now Columbus is tied with Houston and Toronto for first, each having 2 wins in 2 games. Philadelphia now sit in 4th. Quite honestly, both Columbus and Philly look improved from their 2013 versions. This game is likely a major difference maker in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, but being so early in the season it’s somewhat hard to tell. So many things could happen to either team, but only time will truly tell.
Columbus travels to Seattle to take on the second-best team in the West. Philly welcomes the Montreal Impact into PPL Park.