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Orlando City's Ivan Angulo takes a challenge in Saturday night's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Nick Lodeiro corrals the ball in Saturday night's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Luis Muriel fires off a shot in Saturday night's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium.PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Rodrio Schlegel looks for a teammate to pass to in Saturday night's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium.PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Orlando City goalie Pedro Gallese sends a kick downfield in Saturday night's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at Inter&Co Stadium. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
By Mario Casamalhuapa
For the News-Gazette
The Columbus Crew traveled to Orlando a week ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup match and secured a crucial victory against Orlando City Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.
Diego Rossi was the hero of the night, scoring both goals in the 46th and 61st minutes. Sporting their distinctive yellow kits, the Crew exhibited poise and control throughout the game, effectively neutralizing the Orlando City Lions' efforts.
A significant moment of controversy arose when a penalty kick initially awarded to Luis “Lucho” Muriel was overturned by VAR. Instead, the penalty was given to the Columbus Crew for a prior incident, causing confusion among the fans who thought VAR was reviewing Muriel's foul. Rossi capitalized on this opportunity, calmly converting the penalty in the 46th minute to give the Crew the lead.
In the second half, Orlando City made several strategic changes in a bid to equalize. Despite their relentless offensive, numerous crosses, and corner kicks, the Lions were unable to breach the Crew's defense. The highlight of the second half came in the 61st minute when Rossi chipped the ball over Pedro Gallese, Orlando's Peruvian international goalkeeper, securing the victory and extending the Crew's winning streak to three games.
Post-match, Muriel acknowledged the team's desperation and disorganization but remained optimistic about regaining his form reminiscent of his successful stint with Atalanta in Italy. He emphasized the need for Orlando City to have consistent scorers to avoid a prolonged struggle this season.
Looking ahead, the Crew will travel to Mexico to face Pachuca in Hidalgo for the CONCACAF Championship Final on June 1. Meanwhile, Orlando City will play at the Chicago Fire on Wednesday before heading to New York for a match against the New York Red Bulls on June 1.
