The Columbus Crew continued their excellent performances in international exhibitions as they defeated Fulham FC of the English Premier League at Crew Stadium on a late goal by Domenic Mediate.
With the 2-1 victory Wednesday evening over the London outfit, the Crew are now 6-1-1 in these friendlies, including two wins and a draw in three games against squads from the English top division [a 2-1 win against Leeds United in 1997 and 2-2 tie against Newcastle United in 2000]. The only loss occurred in 2002 against Tigres of the Mexican Primera Division.
The Crew struck first blood in the 17th minute as a superb service by Danny Szetela led to a Marcus Storey goal.
"I feel like the play came through Danny being able to get the cross in," said the speedy rookie. "I was able to get in front of my man [Moritz Volz] and that gave me a chance to put it way."
Interim coach Robert Warzycha was not only happy with Szetela's performance, but also the learning atmosphere Wednesday night's quality opponent offered youngster like Szetela.
"When you play a team like Fulham, you can learn a lot," said Warzycha. "I think it was a good lesson to watch Premiership players control the ball and see how their thinking is."
Fulham drew level with the home side just before the break on an own goal by Chris Wingert. A driven cross by Luis Boa Morte put the Crew central defender into a difficult situation since Collins John was pressuring him from behind.
"I need to do better and swing it out. I knew a guy was on my back and would have knocked it in if I had let it go," said Wingert. "I just got caught in a tough position."
Although the 14 substitutions slowed the pace in the second half, both teams still wanted to be victorious on the night.
"Both teams were trying to win for sure," said Wingert. "There were some hard tackles and good passing."
Warzycha thought the intermission changes brought his squads level of play down initially.
"We made some subs and messed up a little bit. They were possessing the ball very well," said the former Polish international. "After about 20 minutes, we were playing better and starting possessing the ball."
Among these substitutions, Fulham brought on former Crew legend Brian McBride. Along with Chad Marshall and Mark Schulte, Wingert marked McBride in the second half.
"Growing up and watching him a lot, it was different than watching a [David] Beckham, [Zinedine] Zidane, or somebody you look at being far away," said the second-year player, who was drafted by the Crew four days before McBride was transferred to Fulham. "Although I don't know him that well, he seems like a great guy. It was a pleasure to play against him."
Of the 21 players dressed by the Crew for the match, only Edson Buddle and Kyle Martino had ever played with McBride.
In addition to Wingert, only six others combined from both teams played the entire match.
"I didn't mind playing 90," said Wingert. "I just wanted to play against those guys at a high level."
The Crew's late winner was set up by two Fulham players who also played the full match. John Wolyniec's attempt to chip goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobny failed, but a loose ball ensued. Both Drobny and Zesh Rehman had chances to remove the ball from danger, but Rehman's attempted clearance hit the hands of the netminder as he reached for the ball and Mediate made the most of the opponent's late mishap.
In the loss, Fulham manager Chris Coleman was impressed with the play of his American counterparts.
"Columbus played good football," said Fulham's boss. "I am surprised they are in the position that they are. They have some very good players."
The Crew were happy to put on a good display against the London club.
"It was a great opportunity to play against Fulham," said Storey. "It was always a dream to play against Premiership team."
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
