Crew Grabs Win over Rivals

Frenzy of Goals Leads Crew to a 2-1 Victory

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

COLUMBUS, OH - July 3, 2010 - Three goals in a span of five minutes at the end of the first half would be the deciding factor in Saturday night's match between the Columbus Crew and the visiting Chicago Fire (4-4-5). The Crew (8-2-3) would emerge with a 2-1 victory over the rivals, giving up only an own goal to the Fire.

There were no injury concerns for the Crew and only two for the Fire (FWD Calen Carr and MID John Thorrington). It was an active week for both clubs with the U.S. Open Cup in full swing for MLS clubs. The Crew advanced with a 2-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos, while the Fire were eliminated in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw with the Charleston Battery. The Crew also were busy on the personnel front, releasing striker Sergio Herrera.

The first half was characterized by physical play and possession changing hands early and often. The Fire had some success getting behind the Crew backline, but several scoring opportunities weren't finished by Chicago.

The final minutes of the first half got rather interesting. Adam Moffat would put the Crew up 1-0 in the 43rd, taking advantage of a loose ball near the goal. Jason Garey set the play up by charging at the Fire keeper, who lost control of the ball. Moffat was able to connect with a short strike for the lead.

The excitement for the Crew didn't last long as the Fire got on the board just a minute later thanks to an own goal by Frankie Hejduk.

All was not lost as a Jason Garey header would find the back of the net minutes later. The potential nominee for MLS Goal of the Week was assisted by Eddie Gaven, who delivered a precise cross between two Fire defenders to the head of Garey.

"There was great emotions just before halftime," Adam Moffat said in a postgame interview. "We showed great character, going straight back up there and getting the lead back."

As Moffat suggested, the 2-1 halftime score would give the Crew some serious momentum going into the second half. Playing at home in "the fortress" called Crew Stadium doesn't hurt either.

The physicality and fast pace continued as the teams returned to the field. Both clubs would find themselves often in the attack, but opportunities were just that as defenses bent but didn't break. Both coaches used substitutes to keep the energy going. Emilio Renteria, Danny O'Rourke, and Steven Lenhart came in for Columbus, while Kwame Watson-Siriboe and Stefan Dimitrov tried to be difference-makers for Chicago. The game ended with little drama and no change to the 2-1 score.

The Crew look to continue their winning ways at home on Tuesday as they face the Charleston Battery in the U.S. Open Cup. The Fire have a game Thursday night against defending champs Real Salt Lake.

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Columbus Crew Starting Lineup: GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Chad MArshall, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Gino Padula, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Brian Carroll, MID Adam Moffat, MID Robbie Rogers, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto, FWD Jason Garey

Chicago Fire Starting Lineup: GK Andrew Dykstra, DEF Dasan Robinson, DEF C.J. Brown, DEF Wilman Conde, DEF Krzysztof Krol, MID Marco Pappa, MID Logan Pause, MID Mike Banner, MID Baggio Husidic, FWD Patrick Nyarko, FWD Brian McBride (C)

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