COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew controlled possession for much of Wednesday night's match, but New York City FC made the most of its opportunities and handed the Crew a 2-1 loss at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Nicolás Fernández Mercau converted a first-half penalty before Agustín Ojeda doubled New York City's lead in the 70th minute. Dániel Gazdag scored from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but the late goal wasn't enough to prevent Columbus from dropping its first MLS match following the league's summer break.
The Crew spent much of the opening half on the front foot, enjoying nearly 60 percent possession and completing passes at a high rate, but quality scoring chances were difficult to come by. Columbus managed just one shot on target before halftime as New York City remained organized defensively.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 28th minute after being awarded a penalty. Fernández Mercau calmly converted from the spot to give New York City a 1-0 advantage despite Columbus controlling much of the early play.
The Crew pushed for an equalizer after the break and nearly found one through Taha Habroune, whose low effort forced a quality save from goalkeeper Matt Freese. Columbus continued to generate possession, but New York City capitalized on one of its few clear opportunities when Ojeda finished a cross from Talles Magno to double the lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Columbus refused to go quietly.
The Crew were awarded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time after a handball inside the area, and Gazdag buried the spot kick to cut the deficit in half. Moments later, Habroune had one final opportunity to rescue a point, but his shot sailed wide of the target as the final whistle sounded.
Although the result was disappointing, the statistics illustrated just how evenly played the match was. Columbus finished with a 58.6 percent possession advantage and completed nearly 89 percent of its passes, but New York City proved more clinical in front of goal, placing five shots on target and converting twice.
The loss dropped the Crew back into MLS action on a sour note, but they won't have to wait long for an opportunity to bounce back.
What's Next: Columbus welcomes FC Cincinnati to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday in the latest edition of the Hell Is Real Derby. The rivalry match marks the first meeting between the in-state rivals this season and carries significant implications in the Eastern Conference standings.