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The mood was positive among Columbus Crew SC fans following an intense 1-1 draw against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night. The Black & Gold took a 1-0 lead on the road in a tough place to play but conceded a penalty kick late in the second half to settle for the draw.
Despite the late penalty and a few missed chances, fans saw great performances from many of the Crew’s starters and bench players. Fans heaped praise on the midfield and young players, and began lobbying Major League Soccer media for Jonathan Mensah to be rewarded for his efforts.
This has been fact for years, but @darlingtonnagbe is a baller. It’s beautiful seeing him in our colors. #Crew96
— Ty Phillips (@chaiteaaddict) March 8, 2020
Was a great team performance but to single out a few Jonathan was motm for me, Bouba stepped up big time & the central midfield pair of Artur/Nagbe was tremendous yet again. Cadden also filled in seamlessly for Milton in the 2nd half #Crew96
— Cameron (@CAMcKay97) March 8, 2020
.@MattDoyle76 you watch that masterclass in defending from Jonathan Mensah today? TOTW for sure #Crew96
— Maaaaattttt Brooks! (@TheJamericadian) March 8, 2020
Considering the difficult schedule to start the season, with the Crew facing the top team in the Eastern Conference last year at home and the MLS Cup champions on the road, fans saw the points gained as proof of an improving Columbus side.
So that's a win against the winners of last year's Eastern Conference and a point away against the MLS Cup holders.
— Columbus Crew UK & Ireland (@ColumbusCrewUK) March 8, 2020
If you'd have offered me these two results to start the season:#Crew96 #crewuk #mls #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/I2IQGvJXX8
We went across the country in a crazy stressful time frame with a different travel schedule, without a starting CB, with our star LB subbing out at halftime, gave up a fluky PK that was a retake and we still left with a draw. #Crew96 is legit.
— Keith Naas (@knaas) March 8, 2020
And some fans mused that maybe the Crew really are the greatest team the world has ever seen.
#Crew96 is still undefeated and Liverpool isn't.
— Luke Johnston (@LukeShigeo) March 8, 2020
Columbus have opened with a win against the best team in the East last season, and drew at last year's MLS Cup winner. Nearly won.
— Brian Guilfoos (@BGuilfoos) March 8, 2020
We might be good, fam. #Crew96
Many in Crew fandom and the national media were also quick to acknowledge the stellar work of Jordan Angeli as the Crew’s new TV analyst.
I can’t get over how exciting and refreshing it is to have a female voice on the call for #Crew96 games now. Thank you @jordangeli for coming to Columbus to be part of what we’re building here. https://t.co/TaDpK9C898
— John Zidar (@TheZidar) March 8, 2020
.@jordangeli has already done a phenomenal job on the #Crew96 matches this season - Actual interesting/insightful commentary and fun to listen to during the broadcast. A night and day change from the bland crap you hear on national broadcasts Keep up the great work!
— Tim (@CLECrewMingo) March 8, 2020
Crew fans continue to be positive about their team, with recent results only affirming hopes for a good season. Although, many of them might be looking to see more goals this upcoming weekend when Real Salt Lake come to MAPFRE Stadium.