Columbus Crew top Chicago for second 3-1 road victory in a row: 2 Takeaways
A week has made all the difference in the Crew's regular-season momentum.
It started last Sunday in a team meeting, with the team going over its 2-1 loss against FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field. Since then, the Crew have two consecutive road wins, including Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire.
Replay: Columbus Crew wins second road match in a row, defeating Chicago Fire 3-1
The Crew have broken a seven-game winless streak by scoring six goals in two matches, matching the total number of goals scored they had during that almost two-month-long stretch.
And they are doing this without leading scorer Cucho Hernandez, who was sidelined against Chicago and Wednesday at CF Montreal due to a back injury.
"While he's out, it's not just one person that has to pick it up. It's a collective thing," said forward Christian Ramirez. "We want Cucho back healthy and as soon as possible. He knows that. He asked me to score tonight for him, so that's why I did the celebration that I did."
Ramirez, Diego Rossi and Jacen Russell-Rowe scored Saturday while the Crew defense gave up the Fire's lone goal to Carlos Teran on a header off a corner kick.
MLS salary: Diego Rossi is Columbus Crew's highest paid player, surpassing Cucho Hernandez
Here are two takeaways from the Crew vs Chicago:
How Columbus Crew are making up for Cucho Hernandez's absence as a collective
This is the second two-game stretch the Crew have been without Hernandez this year. The striker missed back-to-back games earlier this season due to a team suspension.
During his first absence, the Crew scored three goals, but in those two games they were also without forwards Ramirez and Alex Matan, who were sidelined with injuries. Having Ramirez and Matan return has helped.
"We miss Cucho because Cucho on the pitch is going to bring something special," said Crew coach Wilfried Nancy. "This is a collective sport, and I like the chemistry of the players. I like the dynamic that we have. ... This is the second year we've been together, so this is coherent. That's why I'm not surprised with what they do."
Rossi and Ramirez have played big roles in the Crew's offensive production in the past two matches. After going without a goal in MLS play during the first 10 games of the season, Rossi has scored in back-to-back contests. In his first starts since his hamstring injury, Ramirez has contributed with an assist against Montreal and a goal against Chicago.
Every player on the Crew's front line except for Matan this week has scored a goal.
"Everybody on the front line has something different," Russell-Rowe said. "Whether it's Christian, he's so smart and so experienced, and he helps control the front line. I think that very much helps. And then, the rest of us, we all bring our own qualities, so it's about being yourself out there. Because I say it's not possible to be exactly what Cucho brings."
Columbus Crew on the receiving end of another physically tough match
Nancy again was frustrated that the Fire were not called for more fouls.
Chicago was charged with 22, in addition to three yellow card violations. Columbus recorded seven fouls.
"Listen, this is soccer," Nancy said. " I'm not saying that I expect the opposition is going to be kind with us. This is not the topic. We can face an opposition and it can be ugly. I have no problem with that because this is football, but they have to better protect the players in general."
While Hernandez and Evan Bush were the only Crew players who missed Saturday's match due to injuries, Columbus has a fair share of other bumps and bruises.
Aidan Morris is dealing with an ankle injury, limiting his minutes. Russell-Rowe is recovering from the knee injury that kept him out against Montreal. Marino Hinestroza had to be helped off the field and was taken out of the Chicago match early.
And even those nominally healthy are experiencing some pain because everyone besides goalkeeper Patrick Schulte has been absorbing hard hits.
"I think every guy in the locker room is taking care of their body, doing all the extra stuff that we're being asked to do to recover and prepare," Ramirez said. "We have a natural week building up to Orlando (City SC) to properly train."
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew defeat Chicago Fire in second road victory: Takeaways
