COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Crew had their way with the Dayton Dutch Lions for most of their third-round US Open Cup match on Tuesday night, but had only a penalty kick by Olman Vargas to show for it.
They ended up paying for their lack of production in front of net, as a late flurry from the USL-Pro side saw Dayton spring a 2-1 upset at Columbus Crew Stadium.
Earlier in the evening it looked like it would be a rout. The Crew had Dayton under pressure al evening, and only a series of great saves from ‘keeper Matthew Williams kept the Dutch Lions in it.
Columbus outshot Dayton 18-3 and they dominated the first half in everything but the scoreboard, outshooting their opponent 9-0 and forcing Williams into four saves.
The Crew thought they got the break they needed when Vargas converted a penalty in the 64th minute after Justin Meram had been brought down in the area.
It seemed like the Crew were on a power play with unyielding pressure throughout but Williams was outstanding. He even guessed correctly on the PK but Vargas was able to drive the ball under his right arm.
The game flipped when Daniel Holowaty entered for the Dutch Lions in the 78th minute. It took him less than 60 seconds to help even the game, assisting on the equalizer by Jan Gerrit Bartels in the 79th. Two minutes later, he fed Gibson Bardsley for the stunning a stunning lead that Dayton would hold to the final whistle.
The Dutch Lions, 0-4-4 will play the Michigan Bucks, who upset the Chicago Fire, 3-2, in the fourth round on June 5.
