New England Revolution 0, Columbus Crew SC 2 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Gyasi Zardes came through with a brace, Zack Steffen stonewalled yet another penalty, and Columbus Crew SC secured a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution in Foxborough on Saturday afternoon.

Pedro Santos added his first assist on Zardes' opener as the Crew snapped the Revs' 12-game unbeaten streak in home regular season openers.

For New England, Diego Fagundez saw his 59th-minute penalty denied by Steffen. Brandon Bye appeared to be sent off for a raised arm toward Santos' head in the 83rd minute, only for the infraction to be reduced to a yellow card after Video Review.

Goals

26' - CLB - Gyasi Zardes | WATCH
90'+6' - CLB - Gyasi Zardes | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE:
If former Crew coach Gregg Berhalter is responsible for turning around Zardes' career, just maybe new Crew boss Caleb Porter will be the man who gets more out of Santos. The Portuguese had a goal and seven assists last season, hardly insignificant, but not quite the level expected of a
Designated Player
signing in his position. He'll easily surpass that in 2019 if he can provide a few more balls like the one he served on a platter in the 26th minute.

Straight 🔥 from @Pedro32santos & @gyasinho #NEvCLB | #Crew96 | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/JMysOdxjue
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) March 9, 2019

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: It all could've gone so differently for the Revs, who made two halftime changes after seeing their early momentum slip away in the opening 45 minutes. Fagundez was one of those subs, and he was chosen as the man to try and tie the match after Wilfried Zahibo drew a penalty. Instead, Steffen guessed correctly and sent Fagundez's attempt away with a strong right arm, building on his reputation as a penalty saving specialist.

MAN OF THE MATCH: It was one of those complete team victories for the Crew, who had marginally fewer chances than the Revs. But forwards are judged for their ruthlessness, and Zardes had plenty, converting on his only two attempts on frame.

Up Next

NE: Sunday, March 17 at Toronto FC (7:30 pm ET | TSN 4/5, MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
CLB: Saturday, March 16 vs. FC Dallas (2 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN)

Ian Nicholas Quillen -

@IaqDiesel