For the first time since 2019, the Columbus Crew took a trip to the West Coast to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. Columbus, coming off of an enthralling 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps looked to keep the momentum going in their first road match of the young 2022 MLS campaign.
San Jose scores early
It didn’t take long for San Jose to get on the board, as Crew defender Miloš Degenek got whistled for a late challenge inside the penalty area. Cristian Espinoza converted from the spot to give the home side a 1-0 lead after a video review.
The Crew were unable to possess the ball like they did in their home opener last week, seeing San Jose control the game within the opening quarter hour of the match.
Referee Guido Gonzalez had his hands full in the first half on both sides, giving the penalty to the Earthquakes early, then showing a red card to Jamiro Monteiro after another video review, forcing San Jose to play the rest of the match with 10-men.
Columbus equalizes
The Black & Gold equalized in the 40th minute after defender Steven Moreira dribbled around three defenders and slide a pass to Lucas Zelarayan who found the top corner over JT Marcinkowski to bring the score level 1-1 in his 50th regular-season start.
.@S_MoreiraOff to @Lucazelarayan31 ?
JUST TOO GOOD.#Crew96 | #SJvCLB pic.twitter.com/jpJ29oFQOf
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) March 5, 2022
With that goal, Zelarayan has scored 12 goals from outside of the box since his enshrinement to MLS; Twice as many as any other player.
Furthermore, Columbus took advantage of being up a man, taking shots galore as the halftime whistle approached, seeing both teams level at 1-1 at the break.
Crew start second half strong
Addiontally, the Crew were able to start the second half strong. Columbus earned multiple corner kick opportunities, looking to double their tally but nothing could come of the chances.
However, one shot by Derrick Etienne Jr saw the ball deflect off of a teammate and head towards goal, but Marcinkowski was able to push the ball over the crossbar and out of the back of the net.
THAT close to 2.#Crew96 | #SJvCLB pic.twitter.com/EmNGT3hX09
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) March 5, 2022
Columbus was able to double their score to 2-1, as Etienne sent a ball back into the penalty area that found the foot of Gyasi Zardes, who tucked it home past Marcinkowski.
? HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
HEY GYASI ?#Crew96 pic.twitter.com/Vb99Sy9VGK
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) March 6, 2022
It didn’t take long for Columbus to put shame on San Jose for being down a man, as Columbus was awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty area. Zelarayan was able to find the back of the net for his second goal of the game, finding the top corner on the aforementioned free kick.
The ABSOLUTE BEST in @MLS.
LUCAS ZELARAYAN.#Crew96 pic.twitter.com/TmpZXu3AwU
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) March 6, 2022
Life for the Earthquakes
As much as Columbus wanted to see the game play out with a 3-1 lead, San Jose rattled Columbus’ world in the 83rd minute when Francisco Calvo headed home a free kick past keeper Eloy Room to pull the Quakes to within one.
As a result, the Earthquakes were able to find the equlizer in the waning seconds off of a corner kick in the 95th minute. Calvo notched his second of the game to stun the visiting Crew, helping San Jose snatch a point at home.
Next Up
Columbus are back at home to host Trillium Cup rivals Toronto FC in a Saturday matinee matchup at Lower dot com Field. For San Jose, they are on the road at the Philadelphia Union.
