Despite dominating in multiple statistical categories, Columbus Crew SC (5-11-2, 17 pts.) fell 2-0 to Orlando City SC ( 6-8-3, 21 pts.) on Saturday, June 29 at MAPFRE Stadium.
The Lions scored their first goal on their only shot in the half when Nani flicked the ball off to Chris Mueller, who slipped a shot into the near post in the 41st minute. At the end of the half, Crew SC led the match in shots (4 to 1), crosses (11 to 3), and possession (56%).
The Black & Gold had their best opportunity in the 55th minute when Robinho hit a bicycle kick off of a header from JJ Williams that goalkeeper Brian Rowe deflected wide. Notably, Williams made his career first MLS start.
Orlando City doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Tesho Akindele struck a ball from just outside the 18-yard box to the right post off of a lay-off pass from Nani.
Crew SC tallied 11 shots in the match with seven on target, compared to Orlando's three total shots - all of which came on-frame. The Black & Gold also maintained 58.5% of the possession and generated 31 crosses to the Lion's five.
Up next, Crew SC travel to Sandy, Utah to take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, July 3 at Rio Tinto Stadium at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Supporters can watch the match on FOX Sports Ohio, stream on FOX Sports GO, or listen on 97.1 FM The Fan or www.ColumbusCrewSC.com (English & Spanish).
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Goal Scoring Rundown:
ORL - Chris Mueller (Nani, Danillo Acosta), 41st minute: Mueller slips the ball into the near post. CLB 0, ORL 1
ORL - Tesha Akindele (Nani), 66th minute: Akindele strikes the ball from outside the box to the right post. CLB 0, ORL 2 | FINAL
Lineups:
Columbus Crew SC
Orlando City SC
Match Notes:
- Forward JJ Williams made his first start in MLS regular-season action for Crew SC during tonightās home contest against Orlando City SC. Williams played 76 minutes, won 12 duels and made one clearance. Williams was selected by the Crew in the First Round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft with the 18th overall pick. Since joining the Black & Gold, Williams has made five regular-season appearances (one start).
- With his start in tonightās contest, midfielder Luis Argudo recorded his first start of the 2019 regular-season and his 25th MLS regular-season appearance. Argudo played 76 minutes, had one shot, registered 65 touches, attempted 40 passes and finished with a passing percentage of 75. Since joining Crew SC in March of 2018, Argudo has recorded seven regular-season appearances (seven starts).
- Midfielder Artur finished the night with 91 touches and attempted 76 passes, more than any other player on either team. Artur played the entire 90 minutes, also registering one tackle and two interceptions. In 2019, Artur has made 15 regular-season appearances (14 starts). Since joining Crew SC ahead of the 2017 season, Artur has made 71 regular-season appearances (65 starts) while providing five assists.
- With the 2-0 loss to Orlando City SC in tonightās match, Crew SCās 2019 regular-season record is now 5-11-2 (17 points). Next up, Crew SC has a road contest against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday, July 3 (10:00 p.m. ET / Fox Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO / 97.1 The Fan and streaming online via the āListen Liveā button at 971TheFan.com / Spanish audio stream on ColumbusCrewSC.com).
