Columbus Crew SC recorded its second win in three matches Wednesday night — a 2-0 shut out of the San Jose Earthquakes — in front of a sell out crowd of 20,031 supporters.
Ethan Finlay (32nd) and Justin Meram (84th) netted a goal each for the Black & Gold in the match, marking the third time this season the duo have scored in the same match. Meram also notched his team-leading eighth assist on the Finlay goal.
Crew SC dominated the Quakes in the first 45, holding more than 67 percent of the possession, firing 13 shots, and knocking on the door several times with 18 crosses — a League record in 2016 for that category. In the 32nd minute, Nicolai Naess found Meram down the sideline, and the midfielder fired a low cross toward the San Jose back post. The pass found Finlay’s easy touch into the back of the net to give the Black & Gold the one-goal advantage.
The Quakes showed signs of life throughout the second half, but could not provide a true test for goalkeeper Steve Clark — who registered his 20th career MLS and Crew SC clean sheet with two saves in the victory.
The Black & Gold added insurance in the 84th minute after Meram was taken down by San Jose defender Marvell Wynne in the penalty area. The Crew SC midfielder calmly slotted home a penalty kick as his fourth goal of the season past Quakes’ substitute Andrew Tarbell, and sealed all three points for the Black & Gold.
Crew SC is back in action next Saturday, September 3, as it travels to the west coast for a clash with the LA Galaxy for the second of three straight matches against the Western Conference. Kickoff from the StubHub Center is set for 10:30 p.m.
