DC 1-0 Columbus: Post Game

The Crew outshot United 8-2 in front of 16,000 rain soaked fans last night at RFK Stadium.

None of The Massive’s shots found the net.

Columbus, who needed the win to secure their second-straight Supporter’s Shield, played as sloppy as the marsh-like field. There was little spark to be found all night, and the few times The Crew threatened to score the chance was squandered.

The defense, for the most part, played with the same passion and aggressiveness that has brought them so much success over the past two years. No man went unmarked, and overlapping runs down the wings were plentiful.

However, without the help of a well balanced attack or a sturdy midfield, they were hung out to dry. It was a mistake by the midfield that led to the lone DC goal – though Danny O’Rourke nearly killed himself trying to clear the ball off the goal line, but he was a half step too late.

Robbie Rogers finally played the game we all know he can play, taking the ball into the attacking third with authority and doing with it as he pleased. Too bad none of his crosses found a friendly target and his one shot was saved, although just barely.

I usually don’t place blame for losses, because very rarely can one person be blamed for an unfortunate result in a sport like soccer, but I’m going to throw this one squarely at the coach’s feet. We need to stop playing the wings so much and take the ball straight at the opposition. The entire league knows our style by now, therefore our style must change. We have the weapons for an all-out attack, why not go for it?

After all was said and done, our team left the field left muddy and bruised but not down and out. Columbus is still the Eastern Conference champ, still has a 92% chance of winning the Supporter’s Shield, and is still one of the most-feared teams in the league. All is not lost.

But backing into the playoffs usually isn’t a great way to get there. Here’s to hoping that our boys regain The Massive next week when New England comes to Columbus for the league finale.

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