The Columbus Crew kicked off their 2022 MLS season in style, securing a 4-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday at Lower.com Field.

Crew fans were treated to early celebrations after Miguel Berry’s deflected shot put the home side ahead in the 8th minute. Derrick Etienne Jr. made it 2-0 after finding himself with tons of space atop the box in the 25th minute. The attacker comfortably settled a long pass before slotting the ball in.

Columbus’ high pressure frustrated any attempts from Vancouver to get ahold of the game, which was played mostly on the Canadian side’s half. To make matters worse for the visitors, Jake Nerwinski received a second yellow card in the 53rd minute after tripping up Yaw Yeboah in the middle of the park.

Substitute Luis Díaz and Lucas Zelarayán put the icing on the cake with goals two minutes apart in the final moments of the game.

FROM A REPORTER’S EYES

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC GAME NOTES

*Vancouver was a playoff team in 2020

*Former Crew player, Sebastian Berhalter is a member of the Whitecaps FC. He spent 2021 on loan to Austin FC. He entered the game in the 46th minute for Michael Baldisimo, and received a nice ovation.

*Team had to play with 10 players after Jake Nerwinski got a red card in the 53rd minute.

*The Whitecaps FC has an overall winning record over the Crew at 5-3-3, 4-2-0 in Columbus, 1-1-3 in British Columbia. Each team has scored 15 goals apiece in the series.

COLUMBUS CREW GAME NOTES

*Team came out on fire in first half jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes.

*Team possessed ball 52.8% to 47.2% in the 1st half

*Led in 1st half shots, 14-2; on goal shots 5-0.

*New players Yaw Yeboah and Milos Degenek starred in their Crew debuts

*Attendance was great on a cold day, 18,939

GAME RECAP COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS

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