Columbus Crew increase winning streak to two matches with victory over Philadelphia
The Columbus Crew started fast, finding the back of the net within the first five minutes of their Eastern Conference clash with the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in the Arena District. Max Arfsten tracked down a long ball from Dylan Chambost that deflected off a Union defender.
Arfsten gathered it cleanly, drove into the center of the penalty area, and beat Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake with a low shot inside the left post to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.
The Crew doubled its advantage when a cross from Arfsten pinged off Union defender Nathan Harriel and slipped past Blake, making it 2-0.
The visitors didn’t go away quietly, controlling possession for much of the second half. But Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was up to the task, recording three saves en route to his second shutout of the young season.
Columbus improves to 3-4-3 and will pause MLS play to face USL League One side ONE Knoxville SC in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET.