Roughly one-quarter through the 2021 regular season, sometimes the performance is more important than the result.
Yes, the Columbus Crew lost, 1-0, to the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Subaru Park, but head coach Caleb Porter commended his players and called their efforts one of the team’s best road performances his seen from the Black & Gold.
“Anytime you can come on the road and limit the Philadelphia Union to five shots, the disappointment is not being able to get a result out of it,” Porter told reporters after the match. “Unfortunately, we’re left empty-handed, but I thought the guys’ effort and attitude were incredible. I thought they went about it the right way and they threw everything into the game. In the second half, especially, we completely dominated the game. (But) we have to find a goal.”
The Crew entered the contest riding a three-match winning streak that saw the Club outscore its opponents, 6-2. In truth, the team could’ve scored more goals in those matches, but nine points from nine games proved the attacking capabilities of the 2020 MLS Cup champions are as potent as ever.
But then again, Wednesday proved that Columbus won’t be able to waltz through the Eastern Conference for a second conference title, as the Union, the 2020 Supporters’ Shield winners, effectively held the visitors to one quality scoring opportunity.
Marlon Hairston nearly scored minutes into his Crew debut in the 82nd minute when he was denied by Philly shot-stopper Andre Blake from close range. That would’ve been the equalizer to Jamiro Monteiro’s game-winner in the 24th minute.
“I thought there were times where we just, there was a really good chance where Derrick (Etienne Jr.) slides and it’s a tap-in goal, picked his head up,” Porter said. Pedro (Santos) had a couple late (chances) where he comes in and capable to score on that. Marlon misses the breakaway – you’re not going to get a better chance in football than that, you’re never going to get a better chance than that. So, Andre Blake kind of saves the day for them (Philadelphia). We’ll file it away.
“We’re not disappointed in the performance. We’re disappointed in the result.”
HIGHLIGHTS | Three-match win streak snapped in Philadelphia
Porter added the team should be able to build off the loss and was pleased with the inclusion of players returning from injuries.
Kevin Molino, who played in the waning minutes of the Historic Crew Stadium finale on Saturday night, had his first start for the Black & Gold and played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Zelarayán. Following the match, Porter said Zelarayán was still sore and recovering from the 2-0 win over Chicago Fire FC.
Milton Valenzuela also returned to the field and logged his first minutes since leg one of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals on April 28 against CF Monterrey. Valenzuela should provide insurance at left back once he’s fully fit.
“He’s eventually going to move into a 45 soon and then we’re going to be at full strength,” Porter said.
As for Hairston, he made his debut in the 76th minute, replacing Etienne Jr. before nearly scoring six minutes later.
With the defeat, the Crew remain on the road and will face Austin FC in a primetime matchup on Sunday night on FS1 – a game that will surely evoke plenty of emotions from Black & Gold supporters ahead of kickoff.
“We’re disappointed in not scoring, but there’s not much to change, and we’re going to keep getting better, keep improving,” Porter said about the setback against Philadelphia. “I’m confident the goals will come, and we have to go on the road again and hopefully get three points against Austin on Sunday.”
