COLUMBUS – May 17,2025 –
The Columbus Crew earned a 1-1 draw against CF Montreal in a match defined by tactical adjustments and contrasting styles. Montreal took the lead before the Crew equalized in the second half, extending their road unbeaten streak. The game saw coach Nancy make a key adjustment. To dive deeper into the nuances, keep reading for a thorough analysis of the matchS key moments.
Columbus Crew Salvage Draw Against CF Montreal: A Tactical Breakdown
May 17, 2025
The Columbus Crew extended their road unbeaten streak with a 1-1 draw against CF Montreal. The match, characterized by contrasting possession-based styles, saw Montreal take the lead before Columbus responded in the second half. Let’s delve into the tactical nuances that defined this encounter.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
- First Half: Montreal struck first,with Luca Petrasso scoring after a clever dummy and backheeled assist.
- Second Half: Columbus equalized following a defensive error by Montreal,allowing Jacen Russell-Rowe too capitalize.
- Final Result: A 1-1 draw, with Columbus likely seeking more against a team lower in the standings.
Possession with a Purpose: Contrasting Styles
Both Columbus and montreal prioritize possession, but their approaches differ substantially.
Did you Know?
Possession-based soccer aims to control the game by keeping the ball, tiring out opponents, and creating scoring opportunities through patient build-up play.
Columbus Crew: Building from the Back
Under coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew emphasize building from the back, relying on individual skill and versatility. The Crew’s offensive philosophy is predicated on a possession-first mentality. That being said, if the counter chance is there Columbus will not hesitate to pull the trigger and strike quickly. More often than not though, the Black & Gold find their goals through long spells of possession that break down an opponent and overwhelm them.
The Crew’s mantra involves small passes and positional versatility to break through opposing lines. While they prefer short passing,they will resort to long balls if necessary,though they lack a consistent target man.
Pro Tip
Versatility in player positioning can create overloads in specific areas of the field, making it difficult for the opposition to defend.
CF Montreal: Fast counters and Holdup Play
In contrast, Montreal favors quick counter-attacks. Le CFM is content to possess the ball but wants to counter quickly if they have the chance.
They utilize striker Prince Owusu as a focal point, with Caden Clark making runs underneath to advance the ball. This combination of a tall, strong holdup striker and a speedy attacker makes for a potent strategy on offense.
Montreal will keep the ball moving from side to side until an avenue opens up, much like former Black & Gold head coach Gregg Berhalter woudl do in Columbus.
Tactical Tweaks: Centerbacks and Nagbe
Coach Nancy implemented a key adjustment involving the outside centerbacks and Darlington Nagbe.
- First Half: Two centerbacks remained deep to counter Owusu and Clark, with steven Moreira pushing forward on the right.
- Second Half: Both centerbacks where given freedom to move forward, with Nagbe dropping deeper to protect Yevhen Cheberko.
This shifted the Crew into a 1-1-3-5/2-3-5 formation, with the centerbacks supporting dylan Chambost in midfield. This formation trapped in Montreal and made it easy to employ a repress, with Owusu up top as the only long-ball release valve.
After Montreal’s goal, Columbus occasionally transitioned to a 1-3-6, pushing Chambost higher and overloading the Montreal defense.
looking Ahead: Hell is Real
Despite the draw, the Crew continue to accumulate road points. The team now prepares for the intense ‘Hell is Real’ rivalry match against FC Cincinnati [[1]]. Coach Nancy’s decision to rest Diego Rossi and Sean Zawadzki for the Montreal game was a calculated risk,aiming for at least a point while prioritizing the upcoming rivalry clash.
FAQ: Columbus Crew’s Tactical Approach
- What is the Crew’s primary offensive strategy?
- Building from the back with short passes and positional versatility.
- How did the Crew adjust their formation in the second half?
- By allowing both centerbacks to move forward, supported by Nagbe dropping deeper.
- What is the meaning of the ‘Hell is Real’ match?
- It is indeed a highly anticipated rivalry game against FC Cincinnati [[1]].
