Speaking with reporters following Saturday night’s match, new Designated Player Brais Méndez said he hopes to “achieve big things” for his new club.
Well, he made quite the first impression.
In his Columbus Crew debut, Méndez’s luscious 84th-free kick leveled the match at 2-2 and helped the Black & Gold earn a valuable point at reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF.
“We just saw glimpses of what he's capable of doing with his left foot but also with his IQ,” interim head coach Laurent Courtois said of his new attacking playmaker. “He just needs to build his fitness up, be aware of the system and get to know his compañeros, his teammates. Just class.”
For a second-straight match, Columbus clawed back into the game to earn a positive result. Last week, it was a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati in Hell is Real.
On Saturday at Nu Stadium, again, Columbus conceded an early goal. This time it was a 16th minute goal from Luis Suárez.
But the visitors levelled via a counter in the 34th minute when Brazilian international Casemiro placed a Taha Habroune cross into his own net.
Miami reclaimed the lead in first-half stoppage time, but the Black & Gold continued pressing for an equalizer until Méndez’s free kick kissed the back post.
“I am very happy about my debut and the goal,” the Spaniard said. “The team played a good game in a tough place to play. This is the way we want to continue. We want to keep this strong run going and earn wins to continue to move up in the table.”
Méndez joins lofty company of Crew players who’ve scored in their MLS debuts, including Brian McBride, Lucas Zelarayán, Cucho Hernández and Max Arfsten.
But he wasn’t the only debutant.
Lautaro Giaccone and Brooks Lennon also made their Black & Gold debuts, seamlessly fitting into the squad.
“The guys who've come in so far, it's been great,” captain Sean Zawadski said. “They've integrated really well with the team and have fit right in. It's been great. You saw that tonight. You saw three debuts, and it's incredible.
“We don't skip a beat. It seems like they've been here for a while. It's been great to have the new guys, and how can we continue to integrate them even better and make things seamless and continue to flow? Now, it's stack results.”
It’s worth noting this comeback came in Lionel Messi’s Miami return, who was kept quiet by Patrick Schulte.
Now, attention turns to another competition: Leagues Cup.
On Tuesday night, Columbus welcomes Liga MX side Atlas FC to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to begin their Leagues Cup campaign.Claim your seat today.
