Winless Streak Snapped, Higuain and Finlay Lead Crew Past Chicago

The Columbus Crew put away Chicago 2-0 in somewhat easy fashion to end a 8 game winless streak that stretched back to March.

1ST HALF (2-0)
The Crew started this one out more direct than in previous weeks, and it paid off. Federico Higuain assisted on both first half goals to Ethan Finlay and Jairo Arrieta. The direct approach seemed to catch Frank Yallop off guard so he was powerless to do much about it until the halftime whistle.

2ND HALF (0-0)
Halftime adjustments made, both sides settled into a stalemate. Chicago's finishing isn't that great and the way Gregg Berhalter setup his 18 left for plenty of rested defensive players to come on late and put this on to bed.

GAME OVER (2-0)
Without Mike Magee the Fire proved to not have much of anything. After this one it's hard not to think that they need a roster overhaul and a fresh coach. They just aren't good enough.

The Crew, on the other hand, played a style that most of the players were familiar with and one Higuain thrives in when attacking. With Finlay, Meram, Tchani, Arrieta and Higuain out there it was like that magical back half of 2012 the team had when they put themselves into a place of respectability.

Worth noting that Eric Gehrig and Tyson Wahl did well as center back replacements for missing World Cup players Michael Parkhurst and Giancarlo Gonzalez (Parkhurst is expected to return to starting role next week).

Also of note; The Crew's 13 recorded crossing attempts was the lowest total of the season. Representative of a change in philosophy to return to a more direct attack in the opposing half.