Columbus, OH – The Columbus Crew left it late once again, earning a dramatic 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Union at Crew Stadium on Saturday thanks to an 87th-minute strike from Milan Mirosevic.
Jairo Arrieta handed the Crew a two-goal lead, scoring twice in quick succession before the close of the first half, but it was all undone by a Danny Cruz penalty kick and an 86th-minute equalizer from Roger Torres.
Columbus (14-11-6) ultimately marched on to victory thanks to Mirosevic's fourth goal of the season, which helped the Crew improve to 48 points on the season.
Philadelphia (8-15-6) has lost two of its last three league games, winning just once since July 29.
The Union looked likely to head into halftime on level terms, but Arrieta abolished that notion by collecting a cross from Sebastian Miranda in the 44th minute and hammering a shot past Zac MacMath from close range.
Columbus quickly extended the lead when a speculative long ball from goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was misplayed by the Union defense, and Arrieta added to his tally by latching on to the delivery and firing a low shot into the back of the net.
Cruz was able to pull one back for the Union from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Antoine Hoppenot was fouled by Gruenebaum in the box.
Torres thought he had stole a point for the Union when he equalized in the 86th minute, but the Crew answered immediately as Mirosevic received a pass from Josh Williams a minute later and fired the home side to all three points.
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