Crew Coverage pres. by Medical Mutual | PORTER: ‘We lost to a very good team’ against NYCFC 

After the Columbus Crew conceded an early goal in the ninth minute, head coach Caleb Porter said the Black & Gold got punished, and he wanted to punish New York City FC back.  

The problem, however, was the team was never able to.  

The Crew’s three-game unbeaten run was snapped on Saturday night against the reigning MLS Cup champions, as Columbus lost, 2-0, to NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.  

“They’re a very talented team in every position,” Porter said. “The front four, five are scary talented. You know their wingers are athletic, technical, and smart … Talented teams, will punish you. I thought today we got punished for a couple timely goals, or untimely on our part.” 

The first goal arrived nine minutes into the match when Talles Magno was able to send a low shot to the bottom right corner past a diving Eloy Room. From there, the Crew looked to generate opportunities but were unable to produce a shot on target.

While still an even game, Porter said the “backbreaker” came in the 57th minute when Columbus got beat on a set piece. With all 10 outfield players in NYCFC territory, Valentín Castellanos stood behind the two center backs when Maxi Moralez played a long ball into the Crew side of the field. From there, it was a foot race before Castellanos lofted a chip over Room’s head to double the Columbus deficit.  

“That second goal, for me, was deflating, and I didn't think from there, we did much,” Porter said. “It's a good team; it is what it is, a very good team. We lost to a very good team, and they punished us for a couple of goals, and you know, we got to look at it and learn from it, especially that second one. That one was a bad mistake.” 

Room, who finished with three saves, said after the match that the team needs to build on the positives from the result.  

“The positive things are that we created chances in the first half, even after we get the early goal against us,” the goalkeeper said. “So, we have to look that back you know; it's not a good moment to give up the goal that early, but on the other hand, we had a lot of opportunities to score ourselves so, they are a really good team. This is the champion of last season. And we have to take the positive from that.”

Following the defeat, the Crew return to Lower.com Field on Saturday to face Los Angeles FC at 3:30 p.m. LAFC currently leads the league in total points – 23 from 11 matches – and will face a Black & Gold side that produced a definitive 3-0 win over D.C. United earlier this month in their last home match.  

Tickets are still available to see the Crew in its last home match until June 18.  

“Looking forward to it, especially considering the last performance we had at home," Darlington Nagbe said about playing a home match after consecutive road games. “I thought we played well, and had a lot of goals, and got the win, so I look forward to getting back home in front of our fans.”