COLUMBUS – Before Tuesday evening’s 4-1 victory by Crew SC in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals against New York City FC, midfielder Artur had never scored a professional goal.
Before the playoff game, Columbus defender Harrison Afful hadn’t found the net since Oct. 16, 2016. Both of those things changed in the first leg of the Black & Gold’s playoff series with NYCFC. And they changed when it counted, in aggregate-goal play.
When Crew SC held a 1-0 lead early in the second half, New York City defender Alexander Callens was sent off with a red card after an elbowing incident. Shortly thereafter, Brazilian rookie Artur made the Pigeons pay.
In the 59th minute, Artur got forward and received a pass from midfielder Justin Meram. He crossed over swiftly and sent the ball toward the right post, finally catapulting himself into the scoring charts for the Black & Gold and as a professional. When was Artur’s last goal? Competing internationally in the Under-20’s for his home country of Brazil.
Artur emphasized the importance of continuing to attack, even with a lead, and especially when your opponent is shorthanded.
"It's very important,” Artur said. “In the field, you are always talking about, 'keep it going, push up,' and I think when we took the advantage when we scored goals. We had one more man on the field and I think I did well."
Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter grinned from ear-to-ear when he was asked about his 21-year-old rookie scoring for the first time.
"It was great," Berhalter said. "He's been pushing for it, I know that. Not only that, I think the way he's adapted to the country, the way he's adapted to the team, to the city has been phenomenal. He's a young player, people forget that. But, tremendous work rate and nice to see him rewarded with a goal tonight.”
While Artur’s goal was a special moment on Tuesday at MAPFRE Stadium, he admitted that he was shown up by a moment that would follow: Afful’s stoppage-time stunner.
With Crew SC leading 3-1, the Ghanaian defender invaded a box that held seven NYCFC defenders and took on four of them. Afful somehow maintained possession and found the space to fire and add another insurance goal for the Black & Gold.
Coincidentally, Afful’s last goal came against New York City just over a year ago. Afful realized how long it has been and took some time to appreciate the feeling.
"I've been waiting for a long time and finally I got this," Afful said. "I'm just happy. I enjoyed the moment."
Berhalter took some of his own time to praise the defender’s recent run of form. Crew SC’s boss said that Afful brought an exceptional level to the club’s victory over Atlanta United FC in the knockout round and that it hasn’t changed.
I think to follow it up was important for him,” Berhalter said. “He needed to establish that he can continue to play at this level. We know he's a high-level full back for this league and he just needs to keep doing it because he's quality."
Afful said that the goal was one of the best in his career, but multiple teammates conveyed in the locker room that this is nothing new. Afful is notorious for his absurd goals in training. And now he’s notorious for doing it in playoff games.
The second and final leg of Crew SC’s Eastern Conference Semifinal series with NYCFC will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5 at Yankee Stadium in New York.
