Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah scored as Columbus Crew came away with a pivotal 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls at the MAPFRE Stadium.
Mensah scored his second goal of the season during the sixth minute on a set piece. Higuain delivered the free-kick assist before Mensah headed it home towards the left post to put the Black & Gold ahead early.
The Red Bulls equalized in the 14th minute when New York midfielder Sean Davis wrestled the ball away from multiple Crew SC defenders before crossing and finding forward Bradley Wright-Philips, who booted it home while barely being able to stay on sides.
Justin Meram picked up a long ball from Higuain in the 54th minute and took on New York defender Fidel Escobar before firing home the second.
Another set piece goal came in the 66th minute for Crew SC. A bending corner kick by Higuain found the head of Williams, who knocked home his first MLS goal since 2013 and the fifth of his career.
New York added a goal on a penalty kick before the match ran its course. After video review, it was confirmed that Mensah fouled an attacking Gonzalo Veron in the box. The midfielder stepped up and converted the penalty kick past Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen, bringing the score to 3-2 for the night.
The Ghanaian defender was making his first start after returning from International duty, and helped the crew as they edge closer to the play offs.
The Black & Gold remain unbeaten in their last seven matches racing into the final three matches of the 2017 regular season.
Mensah’s compatriots Harrison Afful and Mohammed Abu Saw game time but the latter played 57 minutes.
G⚽️AAAAAL!!! WELCOME BACK, @Jomens25! All it takes is one quick free kick and flick of the big fella's head!#CrewSC | #CLBvNY pic.twitter.com/ufwzYALNqz
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC)
https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/911739195051327488
">September 23, 2017
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin