The Crew ended a two match skid with a 1-0 victory over rivals D.C. United on Saturday night at Crew Stadium. It was hard to limit the highlights to just three keys to the match, but here is a trio of things that stood out from the match:
1. EARLY ATTACK
From minute one, it was clear the Crew were the aggressors on Saturday night. Propelled by Dilly Duka and Justin Meram on the wings, the Black & Gold, created chances early and often in front of the home crowd.
"I saw more intensity," head coach Robert Warzycha said after the match. "We worked harder and there were no mental lapses. If you don’t have any mistakes and you don’t give up the goal, which can change the game, we can be very good.”
It appeared the Crew's hard work had paid off when Josh Williams pounded a header past D.C. goalkeeper Joe Willis in the 44th minute, but Williams' goal was disallowed as the linesman's flag was up.
Nonetheless, the Crew went ahead 1-0 just after the halftime break as Jairo Arrieta put a pefectly placed ball through the United defense for a sprinting Chris Birchall who took Willis on one-on-one to beat the 'keeper with his left foot.
The Columbus attack continued to pressure D.C. the entire second half, showing the potential the Black & Gold has to compete with fellow Eastern Conference heavyweights.
2. DEFENSE KEEPS THE CLEAN SHEET
Though Andy Gruenebaum didn't seem upset by not getting an All-Star game nod, the Crew 'keeper showed that he is certainly deserving of a spot with his seventh shutout of the season. Gruenebaum was outstanding between the posts to keep a D.C. attack that has scored 34 goals this season scoreless.
Gruenebaum was aided by center back Carlos Mendes' return to the starting lineup. Though it was only his fourth match with the Crew, it was the veteran's 150th MLS appearance.
"Carlos is a very soothing presence back there," Gruenebaum complimented his teammate. "He brings experience to the team. He's able to step in and come in and it doesn't matter if he's coming off injury or whatever, he is able to step right in and bring that experience and bring consistency to the back line."
Added Josh Williams, "(Mendes) is like a positive, calming influence. He's not a yeller. He lets his play do the talk. He's always in the right place, he's always saying the right things. It's good to look over my right shoulder and know I have someone who's been in the league that long behind me."
3. BIRCHALL ON THE BOARD
Crew midfielder Chris Birchall scored his second career MLS goal, and his first with the Black & Gold, to provide the game winner on Saturday night. Typically a possession-minded player, Birchall has shown his offensive ability in his short time with in Columbus.
“For me personally, it was only my second MLS goal and when one comes, it is always a special moment," Birchall said after the match. "Being so new to the team, it’s good to get off and get a goal straight away instead of always counting the days until I score. That was what it was like in LA. It took me two years to score a goal. I’m glad in the way the team played tonight."
Birchall has two assists this season to go with his goal on Saturday night.
