Game #54-Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
Crew Stadium
April 7, 2012

After my work trip to Indianapolis, I was able to drive out to Columbus OH for a Crew and Blue Jackets game. The drive took about 3 hours but it was really nice. Threw on a couple podcasts (Adam Carolla and Kevin & Bean), enjoyed the country, and before I knew it I was heading into the city. Crew Stadium is the first US built soccer specific stadium. There have been many important games played here from MLS Cups, men’s and women’s World Cup Qualifiers, and a bunch of international friendlies. As for Columbus Crew, they have somewhat been a powerhouse up until the last two years. They have seen Support’s Shields (2004, 2008, 2009) for the most points in the regular season as well as the 2008 championship, but have fallen on hard times lately. Most of the time I recognize at least a couple members of the US national team for each side but the Crew lack any big stars in the line up. I was hoping to see Gaucho grad Andy Iro but he was traded the previous season…a stark contrast to the Red Bulls who have international star Thiery Henry and another great goal scorer Kenny Cooper who both dominated the Crew each scoring two goals each. This was a completely lopsided match where the Red Bulls were in the offensive end about 70% of the game. NY outplayed, passed, powered, and out skilled the Crew heading into the half with a 3-0 lead sending the Red Bull supporters into a frenzy. The second half was more of the same with a lone Crew goal put in by Kirk Urso in the 89th minute but Henry registered his second tally only moments later to put the game away for good, 4-1. There weren’t many highlights in the game besides my seats (second row) and the Red Bull chants. My two favorite, sang to “She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain as she comes”, were “You’re not singing over there” aimed at the Columbus supporters as well as “We should play you every week”.