The Columbus Crew picked up a point at home on Sunday against a depleted Philadelphia Union squad. Although missed chances and referee decisions were a hot discussion topic after the game, Columbus ended up with a positive result against a good Eastern Conference opponent. The Crew now sit 10th in the Eastern Conference standings but are unbeaten in their last 5 games. The Black & Gold didn’t change much from their midweek clash with Toronto FC, but there were a few tactical nuances that stuck out on Sunday. Let’s dive in.
Aidan Morris’ freedom to roam
Yet again on Sunday it seemed like Aidan Morris was all over the field making tackles, passes, and getting onto the ball as much as possible. It was as if he was given the green light to roam free around the field to make as much of an impact as possible. For example, at times where the Crew wanted to get their wingbacks higher up the field Morris dropping into defense alongside Jonathan Mensah to allow Steven Moreira to get higher up the field. This also makes switching the ball easier because Columbus had an extra player to control possession in the back. Another time Morris was up as high as the striker position to help the Black & Gold press and try to turn the ball over, but after Philadelphia broke the press, he was on the sprint back to his midfield spot. This freedom to roam is not usually given to many players in a system, but it fits Morris perfectly due to his ability to run and never get tired. His work rate is so immense that he can affect the game by just running around and being dynamic, and that’s exactly what he did on Sunday.
Columbus’ 3-5-2
The Crew dominated much of the game on Sunday at Lower.com Field and looked very positive going forward, but when they sat back while Philadelphia attacked, they looked even stronger. This heavily has to do with the new formation Caleb Porter has instituted over the past few weeks, the 3-5-2. This particular formation is known for its ability to change based on which team has possession. On defense, Columbus played more of a 5-3-2 or even at some points a 5-2-2-1. This five-defender formation is what made it hard for Philadelphia to have quality chances going forward consistently. With three experienced defenders in Jonathan Mensah, Milos Degenek, and Josh Williams, the Crew defense looks more organized and they were able to earn another clean sheet at home. This is just another puzzle piece that Porter has in his arsenal to pull out if the Crew are protecting a lead and need to shell up and park the bus. It is not the sexiest brand of soccer to watch, but Columbus do it very well, and it gets them results.
The late change to a 4-2-3-1
As the match wore on and Lucas Zelarayan’s goal was disallowed, Caleb Porter decided to make a personnel change by subbing off Milos Degenek and replacing him with Derrick Etienne. This was the Crew going all in to try and find the goal that could give them three points. In that moment they switched out of the 3-5-2 that they had played all game and went into a more classic 4-2-3-1. This was a more attack minded formation with substitutes Etienne and Kevin Molino on the wings to bring speed and energy to go at the tiring Philadelphia defense. The wingers would actually pinch toward the inside of the field to allow Pedro Santos and Steven Moreira to overlap and give Columbus even more options in the attacking half of the pitch. At points they were throwing all the attacking bodies forward except for Josh Williams and Jonathan Mensah who stayed 10 yards inside Philadelphia’s half to prevent any counter attacks from the Union. It ultimately didn’t result in a goal, but it was the ambition from the Black & Gold to throw all their chips in a chase a goal that was the message late Sunday night.
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