Following a 40-minute weather delay at MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus Crew SC and New York City FC played to a 3-3 draw Saturday with a cascade of goals in the final minutes of the match. Goals from Justin Meram (49th) and Ethan Finlay (80th, 95th) gave the Black & Gold a point at home. The result extends their regular-season unbeaten streak to 11 matches, as well as to four games against NYCFC.
Crew SC dominated Patrick Vieria’s club on paper in the first 45, forcing seven corners and 18 NYC clearances, but found itself on the wrong side of the scoreline at the half. In the 40th minute, Andrea Pirlo’s curling free kick deflected off Steve Clark’s fingertips and the woodwork to a waiting Frank Lampard. The veteran volleyed home his ninth of the season — and in his last 10 games — to give NYCFC the lead into the break.
The Black & Gold — however — did not waste time to find an equalizer out of the dressing room. In the 49th minute, Waylon Francis swung in a cross toward the middle of the NYCFC penalty area to a streaking Meram. The midfielder rose up, and powered a header past Josh Saunders to equalize with his third of the season — and third straight against the top side in the East.
The second half wore on, showing opportunities for both clubs to take the lead. But as play continued through a steady rain, the match was setting up for an exciting final 10 minutes.
In the 80th minute, Finlay was taken down by a late challenge in the NYC penalty area, and Crew SC was awarded a penalty. Finlay stepped up, and confidently slotted it past Saunders to give the Black & Gold the lead with his second of the season.
But just four minutes later, Pirlo floated a cross into the Crew SC penalty area toward David Villa, and the Golden Boot chaser netted his 14th of the season to equalize for NYCFC. In the 90th minute — after a handball by Harrison Afful — a penalty was awarded to NYC, and Villa added a second from the spot to give his side the lead.
But with just seconds left to play, it was Finlay to the rescue. In the fifth minute of added time, a Hector Jimenz free kick bounced around in the NYCFC penalty area before finding Finlay, who fired a half-volley into the right corner to equalize for the Black & Gold with his second of the match — and third of the season. And as the final whistle sounded of the drama-filled match, Crew SC and NYCFC has split points.
The Black & Gold are back in action next Saturday, as they travel to Gillette Stadium for their second clash with the New England Revolution. Kick off for the match is set for 7:30 p.m.
