Columbus Crew SC lost its first away match in over two months - after winning four straight - when the Black & Gold fell to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. Crew SC took an early lead on a Justin Meram goal in the 10th minute, but the Red Bulls responded quickly, equalizing only two minutes later on a Llyod Sam strike. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the game winner in the 21st, as Crew SC kept fighting for the equalizer but saw its best a chance - a 75th-minute strike by Federico Higuain - blocked by goalkeeper Luis Robles. Below are a few key numbers to take away from the match.
2
Gaston Sauro made his second start as a member of the Black & Gold. His debut came on September 6 against FC Dallas, when the defender had to be substituted after a collision with Wil Trapp only five minutes into the match. This time around, Sauro played 86 minutes before being replaced by forward Jack McInerney.
5
Midfielder Justin Meram's goal was his fifth of the season. The Iraq international has now registered back-to-back seasons of at least five goals. Meram's opener was assisted by defender Harrison Afful, who notched his second helper in seven appearances with Crew SC.
50
Waylon Francis made his 50th appearance and start for Crew SC. In those 50 appearances the defender has notched 12 assists.
104
Steve Clark made five saves against the Red Bulls. The goalkeeper now has 104 saves on the season, becoming just the third goalkeeper in club history to reach at least 100 saves in consecutive seasons. He joins Jon Busch (104 in 2003, 132 in 2004) and Mark Dougherty (106 in 1999, 111 in 2000).
137
Federico Higuain took three corner kicks on Saturday setting a new club record for corners in a single seasson. The midfielder has now taken 137 in total this reason surpassing his previous record of 134.
