The Columbus Crew kicked off the start of their 2022 MLS campaign with a home match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. For their first full year in their new stadium, — a place where the team now feels comfortable — the Crew picked up right where they left off last year.
The pressure applied by head coach Caleb Porter’s side rattled the opposing Whitecaps forcing turnovers and inadequate passes.
Columbus punishes ‘Caps
Columbus would soon punish the Caps in the eighth minute of play. Midfielder Lucas Zelarayan found forward Miguel Berry just at the top of the penalty area, where Berry would take a shot on goal. His attempt deflected off of the head of a defender and into the net to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.
HAVE YOURSELF A BERRY LITTLE CREWSMAS!#Crew96 pic.twitter.com/Ct81DBreWp
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 26, 2022
Columbus would keep up the pressure, throwing numbers forward. Created chances saw the Crew fail to capitalize, but would soon find their rhythm.
In the 25th minute, winger Yaw Yeboah would find his counterpart Derrick Etienne Jr who would bring the ball down and slot it home to give the home side a 2-0 lead.
THE TOUCH, THE GRIDDY @detienne_10
THE BALL @yawyeboah_gh
WE’RE COOKIN’ ?#CREW96 pic.twitter.com/MhWUPSHKaq
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 26, 2022
It was fitting to see Brazilian midfielder Artur back for the Crew after missing almost all of the 2021 season with an injury. He didn’t miss a beat and was quietly doing everything in his power to make his return to the lineup special.
Both teams found their way to halftime, Columbus with all the momentum and their foot on the gas as they held the 2-0 lead.
Second Half
The Whitecaps started off the second half better than the first, but it wouldn’t last long. Jake Nerwinski would receive his second caution of the game, ending in a subsequent red card for stopping a promising attack. Columbus would have the upper hand personnel wise, and look to bag more goals.
The Crew would attempt to generate chances, with Artur grabbing another shot on frame that would hit the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
For the Whitecaps, though being down a man, the second half seemed a little better. Testing the backline of the Black & Gold seemed to be the key to try and throw off the anchors of the core.
The Crew would put what would seem to be the final dagger in the match in the 84th minute with Luis Diaz roofing a pass from Gyasi Zardes to make the score 3-0.
? @luis_diaz2206 ?#Crew96 pic.twitter.com/VpUJyIVvV9
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 26, 2022
But then, in the 87th minute Lucas Zelarayan decided to join in on the fun and surely secure all three points for Columbus with his goal to make it 4-0.
WE DANCIN’
WE DANCIN’
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 26, 2022
Columbus take three points at home and would next up travel to the west coast to take on the San Jose Earthquakes. The Whitecaps are on tap to square off against New York City FC.
