Columbus Crew delivered a controlled and increasingly emphatic 3-0 MLS victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, ending a difficult recent run with a performance that paired early authority with a ruthless late flourish.
Santiago Rodríguez gave the Crew the platform in the 22nd minute, meeting the ball with a header to put the home side ahead. Columbus took that 1-0 lead into the interval after edging possession and repeatedly finding avenues into the attacking third.
Colorado remained within reach for much of the second half, but the Rapids could not turn their spells on the ball into sustained danger. The visitors finished with 46.5 percent possession and 10 shots, yet only two efforts found the target as Columbus protected its advantage effectively.
The Crew finally created breathing room in the 81st minute when Gonzalo Tapia struck to make it 2-0. With Colorado chasing a route back into the fixture, Columbus then capped the result deep into stoppage time: substitute Taha Habroune scored in the 90+4th minute to complete a convincing three-goal win.
Columbus finished with 53.5 percent possession, 15 shots and six on target, compared with Colorado’s 10 attempts and two on target. Rodríguez, who was booked late in the first half, supplied the decisive opening goal before Tapia and Habroune ensured the final margin reflected the Crew’s control.
The result lifts the mood around Columbus ahead of Wednesday’s home fixture against D.C. United. Colorado will look for an immediate response when it travels to face Austin FC on the same night.
Goals
- Columbus Crew: Santiago Rodríguez 22′
- Columbus Crew: Gonzalo Tapia 81′
- Columbus Crew: Taha Habroune 90+4′
