In just under a year, soccer has returned to Historic Crew Stadium, the pioneer site that is a staple for what MLS stadiums are today. Columbus Crew 2 had their home opener against Orlando City B, carrying back-to-back 1-0 victories on their shoulders.
Looking to keep their momentum riding high in front of the Crew faithful, Columbus started the game out with a full on attack. A brief stoppage didn’t slow down Columbus, as the Black & Gold created multiple opportunities to punish Orlando City.
Two golden chances for Columbus could’ve seen the Crew take the lead, but nothing came about.
It wasn’t until the third minute of first half stoppage time when Jacen Russell-Rowe found the back of the net on a pass from Mohamed Farsi. With his second goal in as many games, Russell-Rowe took Columbus to the half leading 1-0.
An excellent near post finish from a pin-point cross, Russell-Rowe puts @ColumbusCrew2 ahead just before half! pic.twitter.com/ajAhohaGUu
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 16, 2022
Jacen Russell-Rowe wasn’t the only player that stood out in the first half, however. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte came up big for the Crew, with multiple stops keeping Orlando City at bay an off of the score sheet.
Second Half
Columbus started the second half the same way they left off in the first half, constantly attacking and putting Orlando City under pressure.
Schulte had to come up big again early on with a save on a close range shot. The score remained 1-0 with Columbus starting to generate an attack the opposite way.
The biggest chance for Columbus came in the 67th minute, when Erik Hurtado played a cross to an incoming Noah Fuson in the penalty area, who had a chance to score with his chest but the opportunity went wide of the net.
In the 81st minute, Columbus would double their lead when Mo Farsi found Erik Hurtado, who placed the ball past the Orlando City goalkeeper into the back of the net.
Quick footwork from Farsi leads to a chance for @ColumbusCrew2 pic.twitter.com/rtSdFPWeAZ
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 16, 2022
Columbus would see the win out, giving them three points and their third consecutive win and clean sheet. Next up, Crew 2 take on Torono FC II at Historic Crew Stadium.
