Match Recap: Huntsville City FC dominates in 2-1 win over Columbus Crew 2
For the first time since April 27th, Huntsville City FC collected all three points at home after a big 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew 2.
The Rocket Men were wasteful for much of the game until the 56th minute, when Christian Koffi simply decided he’d had enough, and scored an excellent solo goal. An 81st minute Philip Mayaka volley would prove the winner, though Malcom Palacios would pull one back for the visitors as a consolation in the 84th.
The win, at least temporarily, thrusts Huntsville back into the top four in the Eastern Conference, and they could gain another place still if they win their game in hand over third place Chattanooga.
Lineup
Xavier Valdez returned to goal behind a full-strength backline of Tyshawn Rose, Zach Barrett, Kevin Carmichael and Blake Bowen. The midfield pair of Philip Mayaka and Bryce Boneau looked to create chances for those ahead of them.
The four ahead of them were Pep Casas, Christian Koffi, Jordan Knight and Alioune Ka. Off the bench, calls were made to Ethan O’Brien, Moises Véliz, Damien Barker John, Isaiah Jones and Adem Sipic.
The Numbers
Huntsville City FC
Shots: 20
Shots on goal: 7
Possession: 56%
Corners: 17 (!!!)
Yellow Cards: None
Columbus Crew 2
Shots: 3
Shots on goal: 2
Possession: 44%
Corners: 2
Yellow Cards: 1 (Malcom Palacios)
Analysis
Really, really important win for Huntsville. Not just for their position in the table (there are just 11 games left after all) but also for their confidence. A first home win since April has to be a big boost to this group.
Huntsville thoroughly dominated this game, but they were frankly fairly wasteful for the vast majority of it. That’s fine, they got the result and never really felt threatened, but it is something to improve on.
Not having Alan Carleton or Gunnar Studenhofft hurt, I think, but perhaps we see the former with the first team, who knows.
Next up for the Rocket Men is a home date on July 25th against Orlando City B, we’ll see you then!
Any attendance?