Saying that tonight’s fourth round match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was crazy is a bit of an understatement. In a game with lots of missed opportunities for both teams, the Columbus Crew fought hard even after falling down to nine men to advance to the Fifth Round of the tournament.
The night got started with a bang thanks to a Bernando Anor goal in the fourth minute. Ben Speas delivered in a perfect cross from the left corner, finding Anor, who headed the ball into the back of the net. In front of a crowd of just under 2,000 people, the early goal got almost everyone to their feet. The goal temporarily silenced the Indy supporters group who made the long trip to Akron.
Even with the early goal, the Crew missed some great opportunities due to poor possession play, and heavy touches in the early minutes of the game. Roughly 15 minutes into the game, Columbus finally seemed to have found their legs. The Crew dominated the flow of the game, sending runners down both flanks, disrupting the Indy defense. Anor and Speas both had too much speed for Indy to defend all night. The game plan changed not to long afterwards as the Crew dropped down to 10 men.
In the 34th minute of play, Columbus Crew rookie Adam Bedell was sent off after receiving a straight red. It was an extremely bizarre play, as Bedell was initially rewarded a yellow for a rough tackle on an Indy player. Just as play was about to begin again, the referee waved his hands, withdrawing his yellow. Immediately, the official pulled out his red card to send Bedell back to the locker room. Columbus captain Michael Parkhurst tried to plead for some mercy from the official to no avail.
Down to 10 men the Crew had to drastically change their plan of attack. The Black and Gold went into a more defensive shell, in an attempt to prevent a goal. Still on the attack Columbus was deadly sending in multiple shots that had to be saved by the Indy defense. At the half, Columbus seemed to have control of the match.
The second half was a different story for the Crew. Indy made it clear they were here to win. Through pressure defense and an attack-minded formation, Indy Eleven slowly pulled themselves back into the game. It was in the 62nd minute when Indy’s Blake Smith smashed a ball into the left hand side of the goal. The Crew certainly lost a ton of momentum at this point and it showed on the pitch.
As regular time expired, both teams were beginning to experience tired legs and cramps. Multiple players had to grab water, and stretch out during the break. Things did not get much better for the Crew during extra time. In the 110th minute of play, Daniel Paladini was sent off after seemingly punching an Indy player while arguing a call. Whether intentional or not, the Crew were in a difficult position with only nine men.
After the game former University of Akron player Chad Barson spoke of his team’s resiliency and his coach’s message to his team.
“No one gives up, we’re battling for each other, and even when we are down one man, then two, that we would still win this game.”
That moment came in the 114th minute for the Crew. While running into the box, Ethan Finlay was taken down by an Indy defender drawing a penalty kick. With the home crowd awaiting anxiously Jario Arrieta stepped up and nailed home what would be the winning goal.
Your Subside Sports Man of the Match is Bernardo Anor. With his early goal and tantalizing runs up the left side of the pitch, Anor left the Indy defense a mess. All game long, his speed and agility caused nightmares along that side of the pitch.
For the Crew, they will face the winner of Wednesday’s match between the Chicago Fire and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For the Crew, they will hope that they can get back some players from injury and continue their success in the hunt for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
