MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Defeats Metapán 1-0 In International Friendly At Crew Stadium

Published on March 22, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio. - The Columbus Crew closed out its 2008 preseason schedule Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Metapán at Crew Stadium. The Crew controlled play throughout the majority of the match and used a goal by recently acquired forward, Nicolas Hernandez, in the 67th minute to defeat the 2007 Clausura winners from El Salvador.

The Crew had several chances to take the lead in the first half, but was unable to score, thanks to solid play by Metapán goalkeeper Alvaro Alfaro. The Crew nearly drew first blood in the waning moments of the first half when Hernandez broke free on a run up the left channel. While hounded by two defenders, Hernandez took a touch and slotted a shot, but the Metapán goalkeeper came up big, deflecting it away and out of danger, sending both sides into the half even at 0-0.

After the restart, the Crew again generated several scoring opportunities that challenged the Metapán defense. Brad Evans nearly put the Crew ahead in the 57th minute. A cross sent in from the right side found Evans, who whipped a header on goal only to see it ricochet off the left post and out of harm's way.

The Crew's persistence would pay off just 10 minutes later when a Crew cross into the box was deflected away directly to the feet of Adam Moffat at the top of the box. Moffat's blast was stopped by Alfaro, but he was unable to corral the rebound. Hernandez found himself in front of the goalmouth at the right place and time and, despite being pulled from behind by a defender, he put the rebound away to give the Black & Gold a 1-0 lead.

The Crew would continue to pressure the El Salvadorian club in the ensuing minutes. Robbie Rogers nearly doubled the lead in the 76th when he raced up the left sideline, juked two defenders, and unleashed a shot from the left side of the area. His shot beat the goalkeeper but sailed just high of the crossbar, keeping the lead at one.

Columbus had its final scoring opportunity of the day in the 88th minute when Alejandro Moreno received a nicely-weighted through ball up the left channel into space. Moreno sprinted ahead, attacking the defense, and hit a low shot which was stopped by Alfaro. The rebound came back to Moreno, but he found himself with little space to work with and his second try on goal was swallowed up.

The win improves the Crew's record to 9-2-2 all-time in international exhibitions.

The Crew opens its 13th season overall and 10th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium next Saturday, March 29, at 4 p.m. when it plays host to Eastern Conference-rival Toronto FC.

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