1:2 Columbus New York Tchani Wright-Phillips Grella 03.28.15 · League

There have been many things said about the quality of play in MLS so far this season. It's not just the lack of goals, it's the overall sloppiness of play. Well, today the sloppiness happened on both ends of the field, but it worked out Metro's way, as two Columbus turnovers led to a 2:1 New York victory. The gamewinner was scored by Mike Grella. It was not only his first Metro goal, but the 1000th in team history.

For the second straight week, Metro started a left back signed just days earlier. Kemar Lawrence's departure with the Jamaican national team meant that Anthony Wallace got the quick call. It was the only change from last week's game.

The sloppiness started early, as Metro defenders, most specifically Damien Perrinelle, could not help but pass to the wrong team. Thankfully, Columbus could not produce much offensively. The best chance of the half came Metro's way when Lloyd Sam swung the ball to Sal Zizzo. The left wing was all alone in front of the empty net, but did not have a chance to control the ball, as the shot sailed high.

It was Columbus' turn to get sloppy in the 49th minute, as Bradley Wright-Phillips caused a turnover close to the penalty area. Then, in a play reminiscent of last week's second goal, he got the ball to Lloyd Sam. This time, the Englishman was taken down in the box by Emanuel Pogatetz. (Hey, Columbus, at least the only Austrian you have to deal with is a hack defender. It could be worse, you know.) BWP stepped to the spot and converted by placing the ball into the bottom left corner.

Columbus evened the score in the 58th, off a corner kick. The ball bounced in the box past a group of players, Wallace was caught birdwatching, and ex-Metro Tony Tchani ran into the area to knock it in.

The winner came in the 67th minute, off yet another turnover. It was Wright-Phillips again, winning the ball in midfield, and sending it forward to Grella. The second-half sub chipped Columbus goalie Steve Clark from about 30 meters out. It was a spectacular way to get the team's 1000th goal.

So, Grella, the man who once rejected MLS, the man who once put down American fans, the man who not once, but twice, failed a trial with this very team, scored the 1000th goal in Metro history. Who would have thunk it?

Lineup: Robles, Wallace, Perrinelle, Miazga, Duvall, McCarty, Martins, Kljestan, Zizzo, Sam, Wright-Phillips. Subs: Grella, Richards, Abang.