Erik Hurtado lifts Crew to dramatic 2-2 tie at New England, defense gives up chance at win
Miguel Berry also had a much-needed goal to snap his eight-game scoring drought.
Jacob MyersThere hadn’t been a game on the road this season that the Crew felt like they weren’t in a position to win. Yet, they had just three points and no wins to show for those performances through four games.
In the first of three away games this month against playoff-caliber teams, the Crew had the lead for nearly 70 minutes against the New England Revolution before falling behind in a matter of 12 minutes. But Erik Hurtado would have the last word.
Miguel Berry scored his first goal since the season opener on Feb. 26 in the 27th minute to give the Crew the opening lead for the second straight game, but New England right back DeJuan Jones scored in the 70th minute before striker Adam Buksa scored on a header to take a 2-1 lead in the 82nd minute.
Crew coach Caleb Porter substituted Hurtado in for Aidan Morris for some extra attacking presence before the ensuing kickoff, and Hurtado would deliver the tying goal in the 89th minute for a dramatic and impactful 2-2 draw at Gillette Stadium.
Derrick Etienne Jr. — playing right back after Marlon Hairston suffered an injury in warmups and couldn’t play — delivered a similar cross to the one he sent Berry in front of goal in the first half. Hurtado was in the perfect spot in front of U.S. international goalkeeper Matt Turner to stun the Revs.
"You can find holes to poke in, things that are happening this season and the negatives, or you could look at the positives, which is for me what I'm looking at and what I'm feeling," Porter said. "That's our third positive results in a row. That's a very good team we're playing. Obviously, the best team in league history last year."
The Revolution nearly took all three points in the final moments with a shot from Tommy McNamara hitting the cross bar while goalkeeper Eloy Room stood and stared at it. It was the second time in the second half that the Revs hit the woodwork of the goal.
On the final play, Room came out of the goal to corral a cross before Buksa got his head to it.
It’s the third straight game with at least a point for the Crew (3-3-4, 13 points) after a three-game losing streak.
Early on, it looked like it could be another game in which the Crew were punished for not capitalizing on an early scoring opportunity.
On a combination between Pedro Santos, Miguel Berry and Yaw Yeboah, Darlington Nagbe had a one-on-one opportunity in front of goal against Turner but shot it straight into Turner’s chest in the 14th minute.
It wasn’t long after that Berry had any even better chance to give the Crew the lead. Santos made a pass across field that hit Etienne perfectly in stride as he entered the box. The winger playing right back put the ball in the center of the box for Berry to finish with his right foot.
The Crew were clearly the better team in the first half, holding New England to just one shot. But the defense that Porter said they needed to rely on until the goal started coming consistently let them down in the second half.
Jones scored on a late run to the back post, finishing a cross from Emmanuel Boateng. Buksa found space between center backs Jonathan Mensah and Josh Williams and scored on a cross from Sebastian Lletget. Both goals came off opportunities when the right side of the Crew’s defense had just retreated from an attack up field.
"I don't think I've ever had that happen with any team I've had to lose a guy in warmups," Porter said. "Both goals were patterns of play we've seen. ... The Buksa one is their bread and butter."
Etienne was originally scheduled to start at right winger but had to shift back because of Hairston's injury. Porter said he couldn't remember ever having a player getting hurt in warmups on one of his teams. Hairston, who was filling in for Steven Moreira, pulled a hamstring in warmups and said he wasn't able to play.
"I just knew I had to do something to get the job done for the team," Etienne Jr. said.
The confidence of the team had been a question mark before a 3-0 win last week against D.C. United, given the lack of points and four straight games without a goal. Leading up to this game, the Crew talked about needing a road win in this stretch before there’s a three-week break in games after May 28.
For almost 70 minutes, it looked like this could be the one. But a fourth draw in five road games under the circumstances is a point the Crew can feel good about moving forward in this difficult stretch of the season.
"I think it's good that we're able to come back, but I think a lot of us are very disappointed in the fact that we went up 1-0 (and didn't win)," Etienne Jr. said. "Of course we're going to work on trying to be able to keep leads and closing out, but that's a very good team and it's a good job on our part to be resilient and be able to get a point on the road."
Revs pierce Crew defense late
Lately, Porter has said the team will have to rely on its defense until goals come or a new designated player striker signs with the team — whichever comes first. Analytics support that thinking, liking the Crew as one of the better defensive teams in MLS.
However, the Revs took advantage of big moments on Saturday and the Crew had one big defensive letdown that removed any chance of the first road win of the year.
Up until they allowed Jones' goal in the 70th minute, the Crew had allowed just two shots. Neither was on target. But in the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, the Revolution had seven shots as they played more aggressively in the attack, including two that hit the post.
The first goal allowed, Revolution attacking midfielder Carles Gil made a play to get past Artur and passed a sensational ball across the field about 40 yards to Boateng, who crossed to Jones.
"That's why he was the MVP last year," Porter said.
Santos or James Igbekeme could be credited with falling asleep at the back post and letting Jones get close to goal, but it was more of a solid offensive play than a defensive letdown.
On the second goal, Luis Diaz couldn't get back in time after Etienne deflected a ball meant for Boateng. Then on the Lletget cross, Mensah and Williams left Buksa open. It highlighted that there were still areas for the Crew defense to sort out.
"I though Josh and Jonah did really well on him all game, but he had that one moment and that's all it takes for a player like him," Porter said.
Berry breaks scoring drought
Porter was complimentary of the efforts Berry and Hurtado showed on their goals.
"We executed really well on those crosses in the final third," Porter said. "Excellent run by Miguel and Erik Hurtado. Erik Hurtado's run is a very good run."
For Berry in particular, the goal can only help him in the two months he has a hold on the starter position before a new designated player arrives in Columbus. Last season, Berry rode a wave of confidence. This season has shown the adjustments he's making to being a starter in MLS. He reminded people of the skill he has on Saturday.
"He's been working hard. His attitude has been great. I think he was rewarded for all his work," Porter said. "That was great to see."
For Hurtado, he certainly made the most of his first minutes this season. The 31-year-old was starting in a Crew 2 game just a few weeks ago. It was his first goal with the Crew since joining them in a trade from CF Montreal last year.
"I think he's certainly made the case for himself to play more," Porter said.