Brashna Kasi
The Columbus Crew celebrated a monumental night on Saturday, showcasing their talent and depth with a stunning 4-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The match not only highlighted the Crew’s strength on the field but also marked a personal milestone for player Alexandru Irinel Matan, who netted his first career hat trick in Major League Soccer.
A Night of Homecomings and Milestones
As the Crew returned to their home turf at Lower.com Field, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Fans welcomed back familiar faces, including Ema Boateng, the 2020 MLS Cup champion, former head coach Caleb Porter, and captain Jonathan Mensah. Additionally, Will Sands made his return after being traded to the Revolution earlier this season.
The night was particularly special given the Crew’s situation. They were missing several key players due to international duty and injuries. But the team demonstrated their depth early in the match.
An Explosive Start
Just five minutes into the game, the Crew struck first. AZ Jackson maneuvered skillfully through the midfield and connected with DeJuan Jones. After a precise touch, Jones fired a shot toward the far post, putting Columbus ahead 1-0.
In the 14th minute, Matan doubled the lead. Receiving a well-placed pass from Dylan Chambost, Matan found the near post, bringing the score to 2-0.
The second half saw the Revolution attempt to turn the game around with a more aggressive press. Initially, this strategy seemed effective, keeping Columbus pinned in their defensive third for the first ten minutes.
Matan’s Stellar Performance
However, the Crew soon regained their footing. In the 55th minute, Matan scored his second goal of the night after receiving a long ball from defender Rudy Camacho. With finesse, he danced past Brandon Bye and struck the ball into the net, making it 3-0. This goal marked a historic moment for the team, as they reached their 68th goal of the season, setting a new franchise record.
Matan wasn’t finished yet. He completed his hat trick in the 76th minute, collecting a pass from Derrick Jones and finishing with precision. With this goal, the Crew registered their 69th goal of the season.
A Record-Breaking Night
The evening was more than just about the game itself. The Crew achieved another significant milestone by selling out all home matches for the first time in Club history, with an announced attendance of 20,439 on Fan Appreciation Night.
The match ended with a commanding 4-0 victory for Columbus, further solidifying their playoff position. The Crew’s current record stands at 18 wins, 6 losses, and 9 draws, totaling 63 points this season.
A Bright Future for Matan
Matan’s performance came as a pleasant surprise. Before Saturday, he had only scored two goals in 91 MLS matches. His hat trick reflects the development he’s undergone under the guidance of Crew’s current head coach, Wilfried Nancy.
After a rocky start with the team, characterized by a red card in his debut against the Seattle Sounders, Matan has found his footing and showcased his potential throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
The Columbus Crew will close out their 2024 MLS campaign next week with a match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 6 PM EDT, and fans can catch the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
This victory not only reinforces the Crew’s standing as a formidable team in the league but also provides fans with a hopeful glimpse into a bright future filled with potential and promise. The combination of a record-setting night and standout performances like Matan’s may just signal the beginning of a new era for the Columbus Crew
