Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) looks around as the crowd begins to honor him on his retirement after the game against New York Saturday. Credit: Macy Erickson | Lantern Photographer
Darlington Nagbe jogged onto the Lower.com Field pitch Saturday night to the sound of cheers, homemade “GOAT” signs and chants of his name, a scene fitting one of the most respected players in club history.
In his final regular-season match after 15 years in Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew captain helped deliver one more win, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the final match of the regular season.
An emotional Nagbe was grateful to receive the praise and acknowledgement from his peers.
“I’m just proud to be part of this club,” Nagbe said. “I couldn’t have dreamt of any better situation and to be a part of any [other] team.”
New York, having already been eliminated from playoff contention, was looking to play spoiler to Nagbe’s sendoff.
Red Bulls striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting blasted the ball from the center of the box past the diving arms of Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte 11 minutes into the game, taking an early 1-0 lead.
That lead lasted five minutes.
Crew left wing Lassi Lappalainen sent the ball across the New York box to right wing Andrés Herrera, who tapped the ball in to tie the game at 1-1.
The Crew then broke through in the 66th minute when center forward Daniel Gazdag took a short pass inside the box from center midfielder Taha Habroune and put it past Red Bulls goalkeeper John McCarthy for a 2-1 lead.
Crew defender Steven Moreira (31) fights for possession during the game against New York Saturday. Credit: Macy Erickson | Lantern Photographer
New York’s frustration showed late as center back Dylan Nealis was booked for a yellow card in the 70th minute.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Crew center forward Ibrahim Aliyu provided insurance for the win with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner of the net, making it 3-1.
Columbus stayed on the pitch after the game to honor Nagbe with a retirement ceremony and video package. He was joined by his wife and three kids as he delivered a speech to the crowd.
Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy praised Nagbe for traits that transcend the pitch.
“I don’t have a word for Darlington,” Nancy said. “The person that he is, I would like that my son becomes like [him].”
