Columbus opened their 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League with a controlled, 1-0 victory over Municipal. Though the visiting Guatemalan club had three shots on goal, Columbus was the more dangerous side throughout the match, with Emmanuel Ekpo’s 14th minute goal providing the winning margin.
CONCACAF Champions League: Columbus Opens With 1-0 Win Over Municipal
Four minutes after Municipal’s Pando Ramirez had the match’s first scoring chance, Ekpo put forth a great individual effort, beating three Municipal players before rifling his 16-yard shot off the inside of Jaime Penedo’s far post, banging in the match’s only goal.
It was the beginning of an easy half for the Crew, who would also see Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Eddie Gaven threaten goal. Municipal was able to get to halftime down only one and, after making two substitutions, was more competitive after the break.
But while the visitors were able to threaten goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum multiple times in the half, Columbus was still the more likely to score in the second 45. Chances for Ekpo, Gaven, and Chad Marshall were denied, keeping the match 1-0 through the final whistle.
The win leaves Columbus tied on points with Santos Laguna at the top of Group B, with the Mexican club winning 5-2 at Joe Public on Wednesday.
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