2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 3

Team Grade:

Before we issue the match grade, let’s chat about what led us to our final conclusion.

Shut-Out:

Columbus has been known to struggle on the road in recent memory, most recently with a 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo. To pick up a road win would have been impressive enough, but to do so in a 2-0 shut out was a great first step in rebuilding confidence in the Black & Gold.

Take it with a grain of salt, however, Crew-fans, as D.C. United has yet to score their first goal of 2017 heading into Week 4.

Playing 90 minutes:

The primary struggle for the Crew SC over the last year has been their inability to play a full 90 minute match. Time and time again Columbus would enter halftime with a lead, only to fall apart in the second half and leave with a loss.

We saw this happen again in the season opener against Chicago Fire, and it didn’t seem Columbus showed up at all against Houston; so, it was a refreshing change of pace to see Columbus come out and play a solid match for the entire match.

The Black & Gold entered into halftime with a 1-0 lead, and instead of falling behind in the later parts of the match, they cemented their lead with a second goal at the 67 minute mark.

This early in the season, it’s hard to put much stock into anything, but Columbus fans were still relieved at the change of pace in Week 3.

Final Thoughts:

• Federico Higuain showed that he can still go in Week 3. Coming off of injury, he’s struggled to return to form. If the match against DC United is any indication, the designated player may be one step closer to silencing his critics.
• Gregg Berhalter is another man who silenced some critics in Week 3. The head coach has been coming under fan fire for his inability to change his game-plan, but fans were refreshed to see a change in formation that paid off with a big road win.
• Where you at MLS fans? It’s been 3 weeks straight watching half empty stadiums for Crew fans. At this point, I’d be happy to see Crew SC travel to Atlanta, Portland, or Orlando, just to have some proof that anybody else is watching.

Final Grade: A

It’s hard not to feel relieved with the first win of the season. After a rocky couple weeks, Columbus Crew SC enter into Week 4 with a 1-1-1 record.

There wasn’t much of a statement to be made beating the scoreless and winless DC United, however, and Columbus is in for a huge test next week against the 3-0-0 Portland Timbers (who just beat Houston 4-2).

Match Grade: A

Average Season Grade: B-

Next: Columbus Crew SC: Three Takeaways from the DC United match

What did you think about Columbus Crew SC in Week 3? Do you agree with our grade? Keep the conversation going in the comment section at the bottom of the page.