The Union came out intent on disrupting the Crew’s intricate buildup play with coordinated pressing. Although the plan worked well, it did not result in many clear opportunities. That changed in the 11th minute when Cory Burke forced Lalas Abubakar to give up the ball on the left wing. Burke drove into the box and cut to his left, but Jonathan Mensah came across to block the shot.
Columbus responded by attacking the space behind Keegan Rosenberry. In the 14th minute, Justin Meram got down the Crew’s left and centered the ball for Gyasi Zardes, but the striker couldn’t stick out a foot to direct it in.