Columbus Crew returned from the international break with a less than encouraging 1-1 draw against expansion side Charlotte FC, as injuries and DP talk continued to dominate the mood at Lower.com Field on Saturday evening.
The Crew largely dominated the opening half of the game with the usual lion’s share of possession, and the game plan was rewarded in the 41st minute when a heavy touch from Charlotte ‘keeper Kristijan Kahlina allowed Crew forward Erik Hurtado to pounce and redirect the ball back into the goal to give Columbus the advantage.
The Crew started slowly in the second half and allowed the visitors back into the game when Andre Shinyashiki benefited from another goalkeeping error to put the ball into the goal and level the game.
Charlotte had a huge opportunity at the death but luckily for Crew fans, Shinyahiki put his effort wide while moments later Josh Williams blazed the final kick of the game over the bar as both teams were left to ponder what might have been.
The Crew spend the rest of the month on the road, starting with a trip to Salt Lake next weekend.
For more information, visit columbuscrew.com.
Matt Ellis is a freelance photographer who covers music that happens in the city and the Columbus Crew SC home games. More photography from Matt can be found at his Instagram page.
All photos by Matt Ellis