Union Scores Three Goals In Six Minutes; Sink the Crew

The Black and Gold didn't let Jack McInerney beat them tonight as he was kept off the scoreboard. A three goal barrage in six minutes sunk the Crew in Philadelphia as Columbus dropped another game against a team ahead of them in the standings. A far to common occurrence this year.

The Union weathered early Crew pressure through the first twenty minutes without giving up a goal. They then got a bit of luck in the 25th minute as former Crew midfielder Brain Carroll uncorked a 30 yard shot that Eric Gehrig deflected, stranding Andy Gruenebaum to take the early 1-0 lead.

Philadelphia extended that lead just four minutes later. Sebastien La Toux bent in a corner kick near post. Brian Carroll nodded the ball across to the far post. Sheanon Williams broke free Justin Meram's mark and volleyed the ball home to double the lead.

The Union then struck a third time in the first half in the 31st minute. La Toux fired in a right sided cross. Conor Casey dove in front of the onrushing defense and ripped a header to make it 3-0.

Columbus would dodge a fourth goal as Chad Barson cleared another La Toux cross that Jack McInerney was ready to bury just over five minutes to halftime.

Philadelphia would be content to let the Crew do most of the attacking work in the second half. Columbus would have a couple chances, none better than Aaron Schoenfeld's 80th minute shot that Zak McMath parried.

It was the worst Crew performance since New York's 4-1 drubbing at Crew Stadium in April 2012, leaving the team 4-5-5 with 17 points on the year. The team is in fifth place, five points out of the playoffs.

Columbus has a week and a half to regroup. They face the Eastern Conference leading Montreal Impact on June 15th.