COLUMBUS-- The Crew Reserves (2-1-0) returned to action Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls (2-2-0) at Crew Stadium.
Rookie Ryan Finley struck first for the Black & Gold, burying a low shot from the top of the box to beat New York 'keeper Ryan Meara in the 18th minute. The Red Bulls nearly equalized eight minutes later as Andre Akpan gained possession at midfield and made his way into the final third, but his shot was just high.
After halftime, Ben Speas added a second tally for the Black & Gold putting Chad Barson's endline service into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Ethan Finlay nearly made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute, narrowly missing Justin Meram's far-post pass.
New York had multiple chances in the second half, but the Crew defense anchored by goalkeeper Matt Lampson was able to keep the shutout intact at home.
The Crew Reserves resume play on May 18 against Toronto FC after the First Team match at BMO Field.
SCORING SUMMARY
CLB - Ryan Finley (Justin Meram) 18'
CLB - Ben Speas (Chad Barson) 50'
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY
NY - Michael Bustamante (Caution) 25'
LINEUPS
Crew: Matt Lampson; Chad Barson, Eric Gehrig, Kevan George, Kyle Hyland; Ethan Finlay, Matías Sanchez (Wil Trapp, 46'), Konrad Warzycha (Bernardo Anor, 72'), Ben Speas (Aaron Schoenfeld, 77'); Justin Meram, Ryan Finley (Shawn Sloan, 77')
Substitutes not used: Daniel Withrow, Drew Beckie.
Red Bulls - Ryan Meara (Santiago Castano, 46'); Kosuke Kimura (Ethan Decker^ 63'), Matt Miazga^, Marko Maric* (Adam Najem^, 28'), Connor Lade; Michael Bustamante, Ruben Bover, Rafinha, Amando Moreno; Andre Akpan, Marius Obekop. ^Academy Player, *Guest Player
