Game Thread: Columbus Crew SC vs. Colorado Rapids

Columbus Crew SC finally are ending the challenging three game in eight day week that started in Dallas and took a midweek detour in Portland. One point through two games has Crew SC really looking to get a win and all three against a struggling Colorado Rapids team.

Gregg Berhalter has rotated the lineup during the week and the Black & Gold should have the strongest lineup against the Rapids. Justin Meram was held out of the game against the Timbers while Harrison Afful, Jonathan Mensah, and Federico Higuain didn’t even make the trip to Portland. They will be back in the 11.

Colorado didn’t play midweek and will be fresh, but they are one of the worst teams in the league. They have been eliminated from playoff contention and have a single road win on the season. This is a game that Crew SC will be looking to get all three points in dominating fashion.

Live updates:

Full Time: Crew SC hold off 10-man Colorado.

Last Crew SC substitution, Hansen replaces Santos.

90’ Just 4 minutes of stoppage left. 2-1 Crew SC.

87’ Higuain coming off fo Sosa. Crew SC still up 2-1.

80’ Free kick for Colorado from the halfway line. They push players up, but Crew SC clear and is back in the attack.

70’ It’s all Crew SC right now. Still 2-1, but the Rapids struggling to get it to the halfway stripe when they have the ball.

57’ HIGUAIN!!!!!!!!! Valenzuela takes a long pass and cuts in. The ball is cleared and deflects to Pipa. He doesn’t miss. 2-1 Crew SC lead.

56’ Corner for Crew SC. Home side really turning up the pressure. Rapids clear, but Columbus back on the ball.

51’ RED CARD to Wynne for Colorado. He went in very hard and kneed Santos in the butt.

Second half is underway!

Halftime: #CrewSC 1 - Colorado 1

45’+ Williams with a header that Howard just saves. Almost a second goal there.

35’ Crew SC wobbling a little after the Rapids goal, passing not quite sharp.

25’ That was a weird one. The Rapids had a free kick from 22 yards out. As Steffen is setting his wall, Shkelzen Gashi took a quick kick and put in with a looping ball. Allan Chapman waves off the protests of several Crew SC players and we are tied. 1-1

17’ GOAL CREW SC! Justin Meram sends in a ball. Higuain flicks it to Zardes. In on goal, he calmly beats Tim Howard.

15’ Higuain with a golden chance with an open shot from 18 yards out after a cutback cross. Puts it wide.

13’ Crew SC a little sloppy in midfield, but the visitors unable to turn it into possession in the final third.

10’ Crew SC looking good and pressing the Rapids.

Kickoff!

Previews:

How did the Rapids get here and what danger do they pose to a Crew SC team needing a win? Ralph Schudel breaks it down in his scouting report. The staff is optimistic that Crew SC can take down the struggling Rapids. Crew SC isn’t looking past Colorado according to Guilherme Torres.

Official Lineups:

Injuries & Suspensions:

Columbus Crew SC: The injury report is blank. There is a full squad to choose from.

Colorado Rapids: Defender Axel Sjoberg’s knee injury continues to keep him out of the lineup while forward Yannick Boli is questionable with a hamstring injury. Defender Kortne Ford is out with yellow card accumulation.

How to watch:

Date: Saturday, September 22nd, 2018, 10:30 p.m. ET

Venue: MAPFRE Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)

TV: CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports, BCSN2

Radio: English: CD102.5 FM / ColumbusCrewSC.com Spanish: ColumbusCrewSC.com

Stream: ESPN+