Kei Kamara’s first half double proved enough for Columbus Crew SC to claim a 2-1 win at the Philadelphia Union. Here’s what we learned…
1. Fit Kamara key
From the Montreal Impact, Jack McInerney was a handy enough signing for Columbus, but he missed a clear opening at a pivotal time in last week’s home reverse to FC Dallas. There was no danger of main man Kei Kamara similarly slipping up here.
If the Dallas disaster served a purpose, it was to hammer home the importance of the Sierra Leone international. He picked up a knock early on at PPL Park, but recovered to fire his side to victory.
These were his 19th and 20th goals of a stunning season, and he continues to display a scoring knack that McInerney can’t quite boast. His chances were relatively simple, but his presence and movement were crucial to their conversions.
While Kamara may have played on and dragged his side through, merely the thought of the 31-year-old getting injured was enough to bring cold sweats from Crew supporters. He must stay fit through until the end of the year.
2. Conference superiority
Last time out Dallas showed the depth of a squad that has brought them to the top of a tough West. In Pennsylvania, Columbus were able to show the Union their own superiority in the East.
Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned Kamara was central in showcasing the key differences in this clash. Philadelphia created more opportunities, but they lacked a man of the former Middlesbrough forward’s qualities to provide a contribution in the penalty area.
The Crew may have fallen short against their inter-conference rivals, but in this weaker Eastern division those with consistent performers – such as Kamara – are always likely to compete at the top end of the table.
Kamara has been ably assisted by Ethan Finlay, Federico Higuain and Co, where the Union have no player of such standard. There is a serious gulf in this Conference.
3. Union not in unison
This lack of quality in the Philadelphia ranks owes to circumstances as much as personnel though. They may not have players under-performing quite as spectacularly as Andrea Pirlo at New York City FC, but they’ve rarely managed to get their key men fit and firing in unison.
CJ Sapong has endured a tough campaign, while his inclusion here meant Fernando Aristeguieta had to settle for a place on the bench. Tranquillo Barnetta, supposedly the star turn, has offered little so far.
All this combines to leave the Union with a very ordinary front line, granting continued playing time to the talents of Sebastien le Toux and Eric Ayuk Mbu. The latter is an exciting young prospect, but that’s all he is at this stage. He shouldn’t really be a regular starter in a team desperately reaching for the post-season. Le Toux, meanwhile, isn’t particularly likely to light up the league.
Compare this to Columbus, who have Justin Meram slipping under the radar as well as their big names. Philadelphia don’t have such depth that they can afford literal and metaphorical no-shows from their top men.
