CREW BLANK RED BULLS 2-0

By Derek Smith

Perhaps in a response to the cries of Crew supporters across the globe, Robert Warzycha inserted Emilio Renteria into the starting lineup. Renteria did not disappoint, scoring the first Crew goal in the match, the club's first goal in the past 225 minutes. After Juan Pablo Angel lost possession of the ball in midfield, Guillermo Barros Schelloto found a streaking Renteria who calmly chipped RBNY keeper Bouna Coundoul to put the Crew up 1-0.

Shortly after halftime, Brian Carroll made the most of a bouncing ball outside of the penalty area. A few seconds later Carroll was celebrating a brilliant goal that rocketed past the outstretched Coundoul, giving the Crew the insurance goal it desperately was seeking in this Eastern Conference showdown.

The majority of the match was dominated by the Crew, with the Red Bulls having no ability to pressure the Crew into mistakes. RBNY coach Hans Backe stated in the post-match press conference that he was "embarrassed" at his team's performance. Rightly so, Mac Kandji, inserted at halftime, had the game's only real chance for the Red Bulls. In the end, the shot went wide right and the shutout was preserved.

Here are some fun observations from the match:

-- Thierry Henry not only was in attendance, but conducted interviews, signed autographs, and won the hearts of young and old alike all over Crew Stadium. David Beckham....this is how you win over America.

-- Crew defender Shawn Francis made his MLS debut and served a brilliant ball that was mishit by Emilio Renteria. Francis has surpassed expectations and has become a fixture in the 18 man gameday roster.

-- The Gahanna-Lincoln HS Boys Soccer team was honored at halftime for their State Championship in November of 2009. Better late than never.

-- The Red Bull locker room had an unusually quiet, somber atmosphere. A quiet locker room is the norm after a loss, but few players even made eye contact while being interviewed. The exception being "The Ambassador" TH14. My assumption is that Hans Backe has some choice words for his under-performing team immediately following the match.

-- The rumors in the grandstands were that Crew front office staff member Brad Kessler and Chris Wilson are no longer with the club. I hope that all is well with them and they will be missed. It's a shame two of the hardest working staff members are not with the club anymore.

-- To the 6'6” Englishman who spent 10 minutes talking about fan culture in America and England, that was one of the funniest conversations I've had in a while. Thank you.

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