After scoring his first goal in four months, Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay sprinted to the sideline Saturday and hugged the man who had benched him the past three games.
Celebrating with coach Gregg Berhalter might seem like an odd choice. It speaks, however, to a relationship strengthened during the hard times of a disappointing season.
“It was just a moment of appreciation,” Finlay said. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him to pull me. The results haven’t been going our way, and for me it wasn’t easy to take. Some guys turn off, some guys quit.