For the second year in succession the Crew were knocked out by lower league opposition in the US Open Cup. In a game that Columbus dominated from start to finish with 18 shots on goal, wasteful finishing cost them dear. A frantic two minute period in the second half lead to all of Dayton 3 shots with 2 of them producing the decisive goals.
Columbus dominated the first half, with their best opportunity coming from Chris Birchall. His fiercely struck free kick rebounded off the underside of the crossbar setting up Eric Gehrig for a free header that he placed over from 5 yards.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Columbus finally making the breakthrough courtesy of a 63rd minute penalty. Vargas dispatching the spot kick low to the keeper’s right. The Crew were creating chances at will, but were unable to find the goal which would have finished the game off. A poor back pass on 79 minutes let in Dayton down the Crew’s left. The ball was centered to Bartels, who applied the finish. With Columbus in shock, Dayton’s very next attack produced a second goal again coming from a low cross, this time with Bardsley applying the finish.
The game gave the opportunity to the Crew’s fringe players to impress; the busy Birchall was the pick of the Columbus players on show. He impressed with his work rate throughout and the ability to find space around the Dayton box and accurate shooting.
