“We talked a good game this week and we didn’t play a good game this weekend. That’s an issue to me. If you say you want to make a run at the championship, then you have to back it up.”
The words of Columbus Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter rang true after the Crew stumbled to a 4-2 loss against the New England Revolution in the first leg of 2014 Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was not a good day for the home side as they found themselves playing catch-up for most of the match.
It looked as if Justin Meram would put Columbus up 1-0 in the 29th minute as he rattled a shot off the crossbar. Only an awkward drop kept the ball from crossing the line, but this was just the start of bad luck for the home side.
Charlie Davies would steal the Crew’s momentum away just five minutes later with an actual goal of his own, the first of two on the night for the former U.S. national teamer. This gave the visitors the lead and they honestly never looked back. Halftime came with no change in the score, but things got seriously out of hand in the second half.
The intense physicality of the match continued, but it didn’t take long for the Revs to add to their lead thanks to a Chris Tierney strike in the 51st minute. Meram would score thirteen minutes later, but it wasn’t enough as New England continued to light up the scoreboard. Lee Nguyen would score in the 70th minute, followed by another Davies goal in the 78th.
The 4-1 lead was devastating to the home supporters, knowing their beloved Crew now found themselves in a huge hole. Federico Higuain would convert a penalty kick in stoppage time and the final whistle followed moments later.
The 4-2 loss puts Columbus in a seemingly impossible position, but the players certainly haven’t lost hope.
“It’s not over until it’s over,” Crew defender Eric Gehrig added. “Pipa’s late goal gave us a chance. Obviously it’s going to be tough going there and getting three on them, but we have done it before. Like in Philly, we scored three goals in five minutes. This is a team that’s capable of scoring goals in bunches.”
Sometimes you just have to believe and the 9,074 that braved the frigid weather tonight obviously continue to do just that. They believe.
Subside Sports Man of the Match: Charlie Davies, New England Revolution
Davies was absolutely brilliant on the night despite scoring only three goals during the regular season. This is an inspiring player that almost lost his life and career in a tragic 2009 car accident. He has since fought through numerous injuries to become a star player once again. If the Revolution win the MLS Cup, Davies will be a big reason for getting that elusive trophy. It doesn’t hurt to have a supporting cast that also includes Nguyen and Teal Bunbury.
Match Photo Gallery (40 photos)
