For the first time in MAPFRE Stadium history, Columbus Crew SC beat Seattle Sounders FC. Crew SC's aggressive and persistent play in the attacking half revealed holes in Seattle’s defense and the Black & Gold took advantage. Tonight’s statistics tell a healthy part of how Columbus defeated Seattle. Here are the numbers to note.
2
Kei Kamara and Clint Dempsey each registered a pair of goals, each man picking up one in each half. Kamara’s goals (10’, 58’) came via a header and one-touch shot, while Dempsey (24’, 75’) scored with a powerful strike from outside the box and off a rebound within several yards of goal. Kamara and Dempsey are now co-leaders for most goals in MLS.
22
With Seattle’s second half push, Crew SC’s defense was tested, but did not break. The Black & Gold registered 22 clearances to maitain their narrow lead until the final whistle.
24
The number of shots Crew SC ripped off tonight, a season-high for the club. Crew SC registered 14 of those shots in the first half alone while holding Seattle to only six during the first 45 minutes. Despite Seattle’s late surge, which yielded Clint Dempsey’s second goal of the night, the Sounders ripped off only five more shots during the final 45 minutes of play.
43.3%
Crew SC’s total possession, despite holding a hefty advantage in shots. The Black & Gold's opportunities were frequent, but quick pace can equate to less time with the ball. Columbus made quick work with its counter-attacks all evening and all of its goals were converted only a handful of seconds after the opportunities arose.
