In their first match after being relegated from the English Premier League, Wigan Athletic defeated the Columbus Crew with a riveting second half, 2-1. Goal scorers included James McCarthy (on an assist from Ohio State product Roger Espinoza) and Marc-Antoine Fortune for the Latics and Ryan Finley with the lone Crew goal.
“We knew it was always going to be a tough game,” Wigan manager Owen Coyle said after his first match as Latics’ boss. “The Columbus Crew are a very powerful side with a physical presence. We’re here for fitness, so come August 3rd we peak.”
Crew head coach Robert Warzycha also used the match as a training ground for the second half of the MLS season, “I’d rather give up a goal today rather than Saturday against New England. We wanted to play possession in the back because it does not hurt us today.”
Coyle brought on Espinoza at the half and the Honduran international made the difference right away. With the ball on the left flank, Espinoza played a nearly perfect cross to McCarthy that put Wigan on the board after a forgetful first half. After a minute of second half play, Wigan led 1-0.
“Every time I get to come here, it’s exciting,” Espinosa declared. “It’s inspiring to come back to Columbus.” Espinosa played collegiately at Ohio State before playing for Kansas City and moving on to Wigan. The Honduran play all 45 minutes of the second half.
“I thought the two goals we scored were tremendous quality,” Coyle added. “The cross was exquisite and James McCarthy showed his quality.”
Scottish midfielder Frasier Fyvie played the perfect through ball behind the Crew defense and Fortune made quick work of the Crew keeper in 63rd minute to give the Championship side the 2-0 advantage.
“Two good teams entered the game and we were disappointed not to get a clean sheet,” said Coyle.
The Crew goal from Finley came after the MLS side pressed for a goal for some time. Eric Gehrig had played a low cross into the middle and Ryan Finley chipped in the ball from inside the penalty area through traffic.
Columbus hosts New England on Saturday, July 20 as the Latics continue their summer tour with a match against the Dayton Dutch Lions (July 16) and then the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on July 19. Wigan begin their Championship marathon on August 3 at Barnsley.
“We have been very humbled by the hospitality we have been shown here in Columbus and the Crew have been fantastic. We’d love, in time, to come back,” Coyle added.
