In a match that featured a 90-minute weather delay, a hat trick, an own goal, and a saved penalty, Columbus Crew SC defeated Real Salt Lake 4-3 on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium. The Black & Gold dominated the Royals offensively, firing 21 shots and forcing opposing ‘keeper Nick Rimando to make six saves. Let’s take a look at how the victory affected Crew SC’s position in this week’s MLS Power Rankings.
ESPN FC bumped the Black & Gold up five spots this week, from 20th to 15th, highlighting the hat-trick from Ola Kamara and his growing relationship on the pitch with Federico Higuain.
MLSsoccer.com moved Crew SC up two spots this week from 18th to 16th, and are optimistic that Gregg Berhalter’s squad are “only a couple points out of playoff spot with a game in hand.”
SI.com says that “Columbus is beginning to resemble the team that made a run to the MLS Cup last season” after going unbeaten in four straight matches following Saturday’s win. SI.com bumped the Black & Gold up six spots this week from 18th to 12th.
