Stoppage Time Showdown

Garey's Goal in the 92nd Sends Toronto Home with a 3-2 Loss

COLUMBUS, OH - July 25, 2010 - Saturday evening would feature one of the most anticipated matches of the MLS season. Toronto FC would make the trip to Crew Stadium for the third game of the 2009 Trillium Cup series, which has resulted in two draws so far this season. That makes this match even more important as it will be the deciding factor in the rivalry. The Crew looks to be without Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who is recovering from a hamstring strain. Fellow forward Alejandro Moreno would make the substitute bench despite a groin strain that kept him out of the lineup against Real Salt Lake. Midfielder Robbie Rogers and defender Chad Marshall would continue to be absent from Columbus because of their participation in the Gold Cup. Toronto FC would be without midfielder Sam Cronin (Gold Cup) and forward Fuad Ibrahim (U.S. U-20).

Forward Ali Gerba, who played well for the Canadian National Team in the Gold Cup, would make his MLS debut. This was considered to be a significant move for Toronto, signing an established striker with international credentials. His experience and strong skill set would prove to be a difference maker in this match.

The Gerba signing was not the move that had dominated the headlines in Canada. Toronto FC made a very lucrative contract offer to midfielder Julian de Guzman several weeks ago. The club has not received an answer as of Saturday evening, leading to much speculation regarding his future. We originally reported that his strong preference was a return to Europe, particularly Spain. The money has to be enticing, even though the contract length and amount is of some debate. It is a considerable payday for the young midfielder from any perspective. The offer is significant especially for a MLS team; it is clear that Toronto is trying to make a splash with their Designated Player allocation.

The Crew looked to have an early advantage during intense play. Columbus would have five shots and two corner kicks in the first 20 minutes. Toronto FC would make an early substitution in the 22nd minute with defender Marco Velez coming in for midfielder Amado Guevara. The cards began to flow early in the match with Toronto's Carl Robinson (27th minute) and the Crew's Brian Carroll (29th minute) each receiving a yellow card.

The action would ratchet up even further in the 32nd minute with a brilliant goal from midfielder Eddie Gaven. The assists would go to midfielders Duncan Oughton and Danny O'Rourke, who helped set up the play with a series of passes. Toronto would answer almost immediately in the 35th with a goal by midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who was assisted by defender Marvell Wynne and midfielder Pablo Vitti.

Columbus defender Gino Padula would receive a yellow card in the 39th minute; this would be followed by a Toronto breakaway in the 41st minute. The Crew defense would be able to drop back and defend, taking away a Toronto opportunity to score. Fortunately, the Toronto attacker would not see Ali Gerba out in the open and completely undefended. Halftime would come with the consensus suggesting that the first 45 minutes were relatively even.

Gerba would indeed make an impact as the second half began. The newest member of the squad, assisted by Chad Barrett, scored a goal in the 49th minute to put Toronto ahead 2-1. He would threaten again in the 55th minute before the breakaway was squashed by an aggressive Crew defense. Toronto continued its push forward in the coming minutes, putting pressure on the Crew to make a tactical move. An aggressive move by Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer denied yet another opportunity for Gerba in the 63rd minute.

Midfielder Duncan Oughton would leave the game in the 64th minute in favor of speedy Emmanuel Ekpo. A minute later Ekpo would send a solid cross into the box, but nothing transpired. Striker Steven Lenhart, who had a goal and an assist against RSL, would take a chance in the 70th with a high strike that went off course. Ekpo would take a shot of his own in the 71st, but Toronto keeper Stefan Frei made the save.

Toronto would respond with an opportunity of their own. Pablo Vitti would see his shot bounce off the cross bar to the right of a diving Will Hesmer in the 74th minute. Toronto was literally inches away from a 3-1 lead.

A 2-2 score would become reality with a goal in the 76th minute by Steven Lenhart, who was assisted by Jason Garey and Brian Carroll. Lenhart was able to tap in a soft shot over Stefan Frei, who was sliding in to defend the goal. The Crew offense seemed to receive a boost with the entrance of Ekpo, whose energy and quick moves proved to be quite an asset in the attack.

The closing minutes of the minutes were particularly tense for both clubs. Both sides would have opportunities, but the difference would come in stoppage time as defender Frankie Hejduk delivered a perfect cross to striker Jason Garey; who would send a header into the goal to seal the 3-2 victory for the Crew. This single goal helped break three records and clinch the Trillium Cup for Columbus. The Crew now own the longest regular season home unbeaten streak, the longest regular season road unbeaten streak, and the longest overall unbeaten streak in MLS history.

Fans and players alike talked about the intensity and excitement of the match. Captain Frankie Hejduk added his perspective on the evening. "It was very 2008 MLS Crew; it really was.. Vintage actually. Coming from behind, battling, and making the game interesting. Never giving up. How many times last year were we down 1-0, 2-1, 1-1? And we came back and won it just with our hearts. I think that it is what we did tonight."

Duncan Oughton, known for his pinpoint passing and intelligent play, added his own comments on the important victory. "When we've got some key players away, the guys are doings well. Steve Lenhart and Jason Garey are stepping up and scoring goals; defenders are coming in and playing well. It's good that everyone is contributing. Six points from the last two games is nice. We have put ourselves in a good spot."

The return of Schelotto could make this dedicated, team-centered Crew even more dangerous. The Colorado Rapids will have their hands full when the Crew travel to Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, August 1st.

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