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Nick Rimando - 6 Amazingly, Rimando did not have to make one true save against the Crew. He was in the right places to prevent dangerous balls in the box.
Aaron Herrera - 6.5 Herrera did some impressive stuff on defense and recovered well when Columbus got a half chance.
Nedum Onuoha - 7 Nedum was tight as a drum and was clearly getting the best of Columbus’ attackers. He looked like he was a step ahead of whatever they wanted to do. He absorbed some hits and then hit back. A great night for the veteran.
Justen Glad - 6.5 Glad’s partnership with Onuoha is getting better all the time and much of that is due to Glad’s willingness to make well-timed tackles and quick decisions.
Brooks Lennon - 5.5 Lennon put in a full effort on defense but also had a few very questionable passes.
Everton Luiz - 7.5 Luiz broke up a lot of play in the midfield and played the role of the frustrator for the full 90.
Corey Baird - 5.5 Baird got one shot off in the game, but frequently played the ball forward when he got the chance.
Damir Kreilach - 6 Damir was unlucky to not score int he first half when the Crew made a goal-line save off their chest. He did well in the midfield, but did not get many touches when he was moved up front.
Albert Rusnak - 7 Rusnak had a lot of scoring chances but was unfortunately unable to get one in the net. His creativity and skill was on full display though.
Bofo Saucedo - 5.5 Bofo had a relatively quiet game as far as attacking play goes, but he got involved a lot in what turned out to be a pretty chippy game.
Sam Johnson - 7.5 Johnson’s speed and athleticism were impressive to watch against Columbus. RSL’s lone goal came because Johnson came from behind the get to a ball before the Crew’s defenders could and he calmly put it past the keeper.
Substitutes
Nick Besler - 5.5 Besler came on at half and contributed to the clean sheet, but looked slightly rusty on the ball.
Marcelo Silva - 6 Silva came on due to injury at an awkward time of the game and did a really good job of meeting and even exceeding the physical play that was required of him.
Tate Schmitt - N/A