Foot-MLS: New setback for Columbus Crew and Derrick Etienne

By Christian Bendy Calixte

Things are definitely not going well at the start of the MLS season for Columbus Crew. The Haitian international club conceded its fifth defeat of the season on Saturday evening, for its 12th meeting against Los Angeles FC by 2 goals to 0.

Despite dominating in the first half, the Columbus, Ohio-based club never took the lead until the break. Back in the second half, his opponent left him the ball as in the first half to operate by counterattacks, which paid off after the break with the opening goal of Mexican striker Carlos Vela (62nd) three minutes after VAR canceled out a goal for Caleb Porter’s men who didn’t really prove dangerous in the second half.

Less than half an hour from the end, LAFC would maintain its advantage in the score by doubling the bet thanks to José Cifuentes (0-2, 73rd). Indisputable holder for several games, Derrick Etienne had started this match on the bench before coming into play in the 68th minute in place of James Igbekeme. Unfortunately the Haitian striker could not do better to get his team out of the trap, final score (0-2).

Victorious only once in the last eight games, Colombus therefore chained a second consecutive loss in MLS and slipped in the standings to 11th place out of 14 teams with 13 points far from the playoff places.