Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
Columbus was able to secure a massive road victory Saturday afternoon. A Jonathon Mensah goal in the 65 minute proved to be enough for the Crew to leave Mercedes Benz Stadium with all three points. The goal came off a corner kick from Lucas Zelerayan that was flicked on at the front post from Marlon Hairston, who earned his first Crew assist, that found Jonathon Mensah at the back post who headed the ball in the back of the net.
Takeaways
Eloy Room Continues To Be Sensational
Eloy Room has been sensational all season for the Columbus Crew. Saturday afternoon was no different. Room came up with save after save, and in the ended, earned a clean sheet. His teammates have also recognized how important Room is the Crew, with Kevin Molino stating in his post game press conference that Eloy Room has been the best player on the team the last couple of weeks.
Video Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
Kevin Molino Plays His First 90 Minutes In 8 Months
With all the injuries and international call-ups the Crew have had recently, the team is finally starting to get healthy. Kevin Molino has not been 100% healthy all season, but Saturday afternoon showed that he is close to getting back to full fitness. It was his first full game on the pitch in about 8 months.
Caleb Porter Got His Tactics Spot On
Caleb Porter does not normally play with two strikers up top. But on Saturday afternoon, Caleb Porter deployed a 4-4-2 system that worked to a "tee". Hurtado and Wright-Phillips up top gave the Crew a different dimension when it came to attacking. Hurtado has the pace to get in behind, which was on display when he got behind the Atlanta backline for a 1v1 with the Atlanta goalkeeper.
Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
Whats Next?
Next up for the Columbus Crew is a trip to the Bronx and Yankee stadium for a matchup with New York City Football Club on Friday Night. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.