Columbus Crew forced Vancouver Whitecaps to a 2-2 stalemate at the BC Place. Fredy Montero opened the scoring for Vancouver in the nineteenth minute to put the hosts ahead. Four minutes later, Ola Kamara leveled up the score for Columbus Crew. Subsequently, the visitors doubled the lead in the second half thanks to a Kekuta Manneh's clinical finish. Just seconds to the stoppage time, Tony Tchani found the equalizer and rescued the home team with a 2-2 draw. With this stalemate, Vancouver Whitecaps remains atop of the Eastern standings with forty-five points, while Columbus Crew is fourth with forty-four points in the Eastern Conference standings.
Here's a quick summary of the Match.
Vancouver Whitecaps outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - David Ousted (seven points). Defender - Jakob Nerwinski (6.22), Kendall Waston (6.32), Tim Parker (six points), Jordan Harvey (6.12). Midfielder - Tony Tchani (7.07), Aly Ghazal (6.53), Cristian Techera (6.12), Yordy Reyna (7.21), Brek Shea (7.31). Forward - Fredy Montero (8.12). Used substitutes - Bernie Ibini-Isei (6.12), Alphonso Davies (six points), Erik Hurtado (5.83).
Team's strength and weakness: Whitecaps created several chances relative to their possession, and they were solid at setting up goal bound chances from the flanks and long shot situations. Overall, they were strong at converting their chances.
Style of play: Carl Robinson's men had high shot frequency when in possession, favored long shots, long crosses, and long passes.
Columbus Crew SC outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Zack Steffen (6.15). Defender - Harrison Afful (6.33), Lalas Abubakar (6.23), Josh Williams (6.26), Héctor Jiménez (6.89).
Midfielder - Mohammed Abu (6.12), Wil Trapp (seven points), Pedro Santos (6.73), Federico Higuaín (6.45), Kekuta Manneh (8.31). Forward - Ola Kamara (7.64). Used substitutes - Artur (six points), Justin Meram (6.12), Alex Crognale (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Gregg Berhalter's men often stole the ball from Vancouver players.
They created a high number of goal bound opportunities from the sides and long-range strikes. They were good at finishing.
Style of play: Columbus Crew favored long shots, long thrusts, and short passes. They often held possession on Vancouver Whitecaps' half.
Man of the Match?
Kekuta Manneh was superb on the attack for Columbus Crew. He scored a goal and completed a total of forty-nine touches.
Both teams next fixtures
Vancouver Whitecaps will once again play host to Colorado Rapids on September 24. The same day, Columbus Crew welcomes New York Red Bulls.