Crew finds way to keep playoff hopes alive
Miguel Berry scored a game-winning (and game-tying) goal in the last game at Lower.com Field, which immediately became an instant classic of a chapter of the Hell is Real rivalry against FC Cincinnati — the first at the new downtown stadium.
He surpassed those heroics with another indelible moment in the 87th minute of the Crew's 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls (6-11-5, 23 points) Tuesday night in front of an announced crowd of 17,358.
By every definition, the Crew (8-11-6, 30 points) needed a win. Not just because it had lost eight of its last nine, but mostly because of what lies ahead. After a road game against Supporters' Shieldleading New England Revolution on Saturday, the Crew have five home games to gain enough ground to be one of seven teams from the East in the playoffs.
A draw would've been OK but not good enough. A loss could've been catastrophic, given the Crew has played two more games at this point than every team they're battling for a playoff spot.
"We needed that one,” coach Caleb Porter said. “It took a great second half and it took every single one of the subs to pull this game out. I couldn't be more proud of our fight, resiliency in that second half. I think everybody saw, including our team, what it looks like when you give everything you have and you play with hunger and you refuse to lose.”
The Crew remains one point out of a playoff spot — two points out of fifth place. The Red Bulls might have been the worst team remaining on the schedule.
Miguel Berry continuing to take advantage of opportunity
Just over two months ago, the Crew
traded for forward Erik Hurtado for extra depth because Gyasi Zardes was on international duty and Bradley Wrightphillips was injured. Berry cashed in on his chance at FC Cincinnati on July 9 and hasn't looked back.
In 330 minutes, Berry has scored five goals, mostly coming off the bench in big spots.
Berry was benched five games in a row and has scored four goals in the five games since. He is getting more playing time than Wright-phillips, and for good reason. Berry has deserved it.
“He has quality ... He is very good in the box. Very good in the box,” Porter
said. “He's very calm. He's got technique. When we do a finishing drill, he's one of our best finishers. But on top of that, his mentality in terms of learning, coming to work every day as a pro and trying to improve, having the right attitude, listen to the coaches, listen to the senior players — a lot of young guys don't do that."
Alex Matan great off the bench
While he's still looking for his first goal or assist, winger Alex Matan also provided a spark off the bench when he dribbled for 35 yards in the 74th minute to create the Crew's best chance of the night to that point. The rebound off goalkeeper Carlos Coronel was finished by a header from midfielder Darlington Nagbe.
“Matan coming in and creating like he always does. He's a handful,” Nagbe said.
Depth at left back suddenly a worry
Starting left back Milton Valenzuela was held out of the match because of hamstring tightness, which is slightly concerning since he played just 45 minutes against Inter Miami on the weekend. Then, after Monday's testing, left back Waylon Francis went into MLS health and safety protocol and had to miss the match.
Winger Pedro Santos was forced to play left back out of necessity, and he was injured in the first minute as the result of a head-to-head collision with Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan. Saad Abdul-salaam entered the match for Santos in the sixth minute and had a so-so match.
If Santos has a concussion, it's unlikely he'll be cleared in time for Saturday's game at New England. The severity of Valenzuela's hamstring and the timetable for Francis' return likely won't be known until Friday's media session. jmyers@dispatch.com @_jcmyers