Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
This game was very entertaining from the first whistle. Austin had arguably their best chance of the game within the first minute of the game, as a ball played in from Jared Stroud found a wide-open Diego Fagundez from 14 yards out, but the shot went wide of goal.
The best chance for the Crew came in the 74th minute, after a Lucas Zelerayan free-kick found a wide-open Gyasi Zardes who took a touch and fired, only to find Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver's leg in the way of the shot, and the shot was saved to keep the match scoreless.
Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
Takeaways
Clean Sheet
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the game is the fact that Columbus was able to hold on and earn a point in a hostile environment in Austin. Crew Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 5 saves in the game. The defense was shaky at times, but they were able to hold on.
Mistake Prone
Austin FC played a high press, and this caused some issues for the Crew playing out of the back. Jonathan Mensah and Vito Wormgoor had trouble playing the ball out of the back. Austin FC were able to cause mistakes from the Crew backline, but like the scoreline suggests, were unable to capitalize on those mistakes.
Lacking In The Final Third
This is the second straight game in which the Crew have failed to put the ball in the back of the net. It is something that the Crew have struggled with all season long, having the lowest expected goals (XG) in MLS. If the Crew are going to get back on the winning track, they are going to have to find the quality in the final third.
Whats Next?
The Columbus Crew will open up there brand new home, Lower.com Field this weekend, July 3rd against the New England Revolution. Kickoff is set for 5pm.
Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter