After consecutive 1-0 losses, the Columbus Crew returned home to Lower.com Field as they hosted second place Orlando City SC.
Not much changed from the match against Philadelphia for the Crew, with head coach Caleb Porter going with his first choice lineup. This, however, proved that Porter knew this game was a must-win game.
The Crew started off the first half playing the possession game, keeping Orlando City out of their defensive zone.
Early on in the game, Columbus were given a golden opportunity to score the first goal — something they haven’t done since their 4-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps — in the fourth minute. Nifty passing between Lucas Zelarayan and Derrick Etienne Jr. saw Columbus get into the box, but a shot could not ensue.
Just minutes later, defender Steven Moreira caught Orlando sleeping, finding Yaw Yeboah on a quickly taken throw-in. Yeboah attempted to center the ball for Etienne who was right on the doorstep, but the shot by the Haitian winger was deflected out for a corner kick.
Orlando fell victim to a Zelarayan free kick, but the attempt hit the crossbar and away from the penalty area.
Orlando draw first blood
It wasn’t until the 38th minute when the Lions drew first blood, with Rodrio Shlegel tapping in the ball from close range, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
.@RodriSchlegel opens his MLS account.
On a dime from @JrUrso and @OrlandoCitySC leads. pic.twitter.com/jAKd3yUFWD
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 17, 2022
Orlando would hold that lead heading into halftime, scathing off multiple opportunities by Columbus in the quest to find an equalizer.
Orlando double their lead
With Orlando leading coming out of the half, it all but five minutes for the visitors to double their lead.
The ball bounced around multiple Orlando City players in and around the 18-yard box, before falling to the feet of Ercan Kara who placed the ball in the upper corner of the net.
Champagne Soccer. ? #VamosOrlando | #DaleMiAmor pic.twitter.com/0UedruKSnK
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 17, 2022
Columbus fights back
Columbus attempted to fight their way back, seeing as Orlando were now playing more defensively keeping the Black & Gold prying for a goal to cut their lead to one.
The Crew were awarded two free kicks in the closing quarter hour of the match, but then ensuing attempts couldn’t see the light of day.
Despite the multiple efforts by Columbus, it wasn’t enough as the Black & Gold would fall for their third consecutive loss.
What’s Next?
Next up, the Crew are heading to Michigan for a Tuesday Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Detroit City FC, Tuesday April 19. Orlando City will faceoff against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the U.S. Open Cup as well.
