Crew Falls to RSL in First Leg of Eastern Conference Semifinals

Last-minute goal by Findley hands Crew 1-0 deficit headinginto second leg of series

SANDY, UT – October 31, 2009 - The Columbus Crew fell to Real Salt Lake, 1-0, Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium in the first leg of its Eastern Conference semifinal series.

After a closely contested match which saw both sides able to limit the other’s offensive chances, it appeared that Columbus and Salt Lake were destined to play to a scoreless draw. However, in the 88th minute, RSL’s Will Johnson took a quick throw-in to second half substitute Yura Movsisyan, who promptly sent in a low cross in the direction of Robbie Findley at the near post. Findley was just able to sneak in front of the Crew’s Eric Brunner and slid onto Movsisyan's service, pushing it under goalkeeper William Hesmer and into the net for the last minute game-winner.

The Crew now faces a one-goal deficit heading into the second leg of its semifinal series against Salt Lake, to be played next Thursday (Nov. 5) at 8 p.m. ET at Crew Stadium. The match will be televised live nationally on ESPN2.

Columbus Crew (0-1-0) vs. Real Salt Lake (1-0-0)
October 31, 2009 -- Rio Tinto Stadium

Scoring Summary:
RSL -- Robbie Findley 1 (Yura Movsisyan 1) 88

Columbus Crew -- William Hesmer, Frankie Hejduk, Eric Brunner, Chad Marshall, Gino Padula, Eddie Gaven, Brian Carroll, Danny O'Rourke, Robbie Rogers (Emmanuel Ekpo 85), Emilio Renteria (Jason Garey 77), Steven Lenhart

Substitutes Not Used: Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Andy Iro, Adam Moffat, Alejandro Moreno, Kenny Schoeni

Real Salt Lake -- Nick Rimando, Chris Wingert, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Tony Beltran (Robbie Russell 79), Andy Williams, Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales (Clint Mathis 75), Will Johnson, Robbie Findley, Fabian Espindola (Yura Movsisyan 65)

Substitutes Not Used: Jean Alexandre, Pablo Campos, Rachid El Khalifi, Chris Seitz

Misconduct Summary:
CLB -- Brian Carroll (caution; Tactical Foul) 19
RSL -- Kyle Beckerman (caution; Reckless Tackle) 38

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