After a slow start to the Major League Soccer season, Columbus Crew SC finally got its first win of 2016 on Saturday night – and Ethan Finlay (Marshfield) played a key role in the result.
Finlay opened the scoring in the 7th minute and set up Justin Meram for what proved to be the game-winner in the 80th as the Crew held off New York City FC 3-2 on Saturday night at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Watch below)
The 25-year-old Finlay, an MLS Best XI selection last season, tracked a cross played in by Meram on the left side as it was deflected across the box and finished from the right side for his first goal of the season. He scored 12 goals for MLS Cup runner-up Columbus a year ago after netting 11 times in his breakthrough 2014 season.
Then in the final quarter hour, the former FC Milwaukee attacker got a pass from Federico Higuain, broke free down the right side and squared the ball back for Meram to finish to give the Crew (1-3-2) a 3-1 lead. It was the second assist in six appearances this season for Finlay, who earned a spot on the bench on the MLS Team of the Week for his performance.
On Twitter: @EthanFinlay13