Columbus, Ohio (July 3, 2018) — After two and a half hours of a somewhat odd rain delay, the international friendly between Columbus Crew SC and Deportivo Saprissa finally got the green light, with kickoff happening around 9:50 p.m. EST.
Both teams agreed to play two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime interval.
Columbus midfielder Eddie Opoku came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute, but Saprissa keeper Aarón Cruz came up with a big save.
Connor Maloney also got close, with his shot beating Cruz but not the left post.
Columbus Crew SC Defeats Deportivo Saprissa in Rain-Shortened Match
Columbus Get Their First
Eduardo Sosa made vital key passes to forward Gyasi Zardes. The first saw the forward’s header just sail high over the crossbar.
On the second one, Zardes converted as he collected the ball and was able to dribble around Aarón Cruz and slot the ball home to give Crew SC the lead.
Keep Calm and Gyasi On, @gyasinho! ?#Crew SC | #CLBvSAP pic.twitter.com/ZiMAWLGY76
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) July 4, 2018
Williams Scores Second
After a handful of substitutes for Columbus, they got right back to work.
Columbus was awarded a corner in the 34th minute, and Pedro Santos serviced a perfect cross into the box that found the head of Josh Williams.
Set-piece maestro @josh3williams makes it a 2-0 #CrewSC lead in the 34th minute! ?#CrewSC | #CLBvSAP pic.twitter.com/HEuWz3fpqA
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) July 4, 2018
Deportivo Saprissa thought they had scored a goal to pull one back but was whistled for an offside.
What’s Next?
Saprissa will continue their pre-season with the Colorado Rapids. Meanwhile, Columbus will resume league action as they head back to Southern California to take on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Kickoff for that match is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. EST. This will be the first and only meeting between the two clubs this season and the first of a two-match road trip for Crew SC.
Photo credit: Daniel Herlensky, Columbus Crew SC Communications
