The Columbus Crew Reserve Squad tied the Kansas City Wizards Reserves, 1-1, Sunday morning at the Crew Training Facility at Obetz. The tie brings the Crew's Reserve Division record to 0-1-1 (1 pt.) in the MLS Reserve Division this season, while the Kansas City Wizards remain undefeated at 2-0-2 (8 pts.) in MLS Reserve Division play.
The Wizards drew first blood in Sunday morning's match, thanks to central Ohio native Ryan Pore's free kick score in the 22nd minute. The Crew responded with a Steven Lenhart goal just moments before the halftime whistle to draw even. Both sides earned opportunities to secure the game-winner in the second half of play, but neither was able to find the back of the net again.
The first half began with a flurry of activity as both sides sought to get out to a fast start. Sasha Victorine's powerful shot from 22 yards out nearly gave the Wizards the early advantage, as his attempt struck the crossbar and caromed harmlessly away in the 20th minute.
The Wizards wouldn't have to wait long for their next opportunity, as just two minutes later, Kansas City found itself with a free kick from just left of center, 19 yards out. Pore's ensuing shot was well slotted, as he beat Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum with a skipping ball into the lower right hand corner to give the Wizards the lead.
Columbus' Nicolas Hernandez nearly equalized just minutes later, with a free kick of his own from just outside the Wizards' box. Hernandez's bending attempt was well struck, but sailed just high of the crossbar, leaving the Crew still searching for its first tally.
The Crew would finally get the equalizing opportunity it was looking for, just moments before the halftime break. Recently-signed Nigerian midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo received a pass in the middle of the field, used some nifty moves to free himself into space, and sent a nicely weighted ball through to Lenhart. Lenhart's one-timer was well hit and too much for Wizards' goalkeeper Eric Kronberg to handle, as the Crew drew even 1-1 heading into halftime.
Following the break, the Wizards came out looking to attack aggressively and were able to draw several fouls in the Crew's attacking third. Kansas City's persistence paid off in the 70th minute, when Crew defender Andy Iro brought down Scott Sealy in the box. The referee immediately pointed for a penalty kick, and Pore confidently stepped to the spot to take the penalty try. However, Pore's attempt was less than stellar as his shot sailed well high of the goalmouth, keeping the teams even at 1-1.
The rest of the second half saw the two sides battling to notch the equalizing goal, but with little success. Columbus nearly gained the advantage in the final minute of play, when Crew forward Guilherme Só took off with the ball on a breakaway down the left channel. Só found Jason Garey with a pass across the middle at the top of the box, but Garey was unable to gain full control and pushed his shot wide left, ending the final scoring opportunity of the morning for both sides.
The Columbus Crew Reserves next see action on Saturday, May 17, as they take on the Toronto FC reserve squad at BMO Field following its first team match at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Kansas City Reserves will also see its next action that weekend, as it travels to New York to take on the Red Bulls on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m.
Columbus Crew vs. Kansas City Wizards (Reserve Division)
May 4, 2008 -- Crew Training Facility at Obetz
Scoring Summary:
KCW - Ryan Pore (unassisted) 22'
CLB - Steven Lenhart (Emmanuel Ekpo) 43'
Columbus Crew Reserves (0-1-1) - Andy Gruenebaum, Ryan Junge (Andrew Peterson 65), Andy Iro, Jed Zayner, Ryan Miller, Nicolas Hernandez, Emmanuel Ekpo (George Josten 45), Stefani Miglioranzi-C, Brad Evans, Steven Lenhart (Guilherme Só 85), Jason Garey
Substitutes not used: Casey Latchem, Steve Traeger
Kansas City Wizards Reserves (2-0-2) - Eric Kronberg, Matt Marquess (Nelson Pizzarro 45), Aaron Hohlbein, Rauwshan McKenzie, Jonathan Leathers, Roger Espinoza (Michael Kraus 64), Sasha Victorine, Kerry Zavagnin-C, Ryan McMahen (Kevin Souter 45), Ryan Pore, Ivan Trujillo (Scott Sealy 45)
Substitutes not used: Boris Pardo, Geoss Miles
Misconduct Summary:
CLB - Jed Zayner (caution) 59'
CLB - Brad Evans (caution) 67'
KCW - Kevin Souter (caution) 77'
