Crew rallies to defeat Red Bulls 3-1
by Tom Holdren, Columbus Wired Contributors
Photos by Dave Weissman

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Columbus Crew started the opening half against the New York Red Bulls the way they finished in Toronto: unable to connect on offense. But it truly was a tale of two halves Thursday night as the Crew bounced back being down 1-0, winning 3-1 to solidify their playoffs and keep the best record in MLS.

New York (9-8-8) played seemingly calm for the magnitude of the game needing a victory to stay in fifth place and in the mix of the eight team playoff race. A win would also keep their hot streak going, compiling a 3-1-1 record in their last five games.

The Red Bulls tried to stretch the field early, taking advantage of striker and speedster Dane Richards, playing balls long and wide. But Columbus countered with brilliant defensive play from Gino Padula, who had the daunting task of marking Richards. “Coach told me, but I didn’t know how fast he was.” Padula joked after the game.

Columbus had their chances early, but a diving save off a Eddie Gaven’s one-timer in the 11th, and a little help from the right post on Gaven’s second shot, at 16 minutes into the game, kept the sheet clean for New York’s Conway.

It was Juan Pablo Angel, New York’s top scorer, who struck first at minute 21; bending a free-kick over the wall, right side upper-ninety, from 35 yards away. Angel’s tenth goal of the year would prove to be the only highlight for the Red Bulls.

The Crew (14-6-5) was able to control the tempo and despite being down early was able to square things up at 1-1 when defensive specialist and captain Frankie Hejduk faked a shot, sent a Red Bull defenseman flying through the air and chipped a ball from 20 dropping right behind the keeper in the 41st. It has been three years since Hejduk’s last goal.

“I don’t know if he meant that or if it was a cross” remarked New York coach Osorio.

Hejduk’s late score provided a much needed spark for the second half.

Midfielder Robbie “Rocket” Rogers came out firing after the intermission, taking only 19 seconds (a Crew record) to gain the 2-1 advantage. On the unbelievable play, Rogers evaded four Red Bull defenders and sent a blistering strike to the back of the net. Roger’s admitted that the Crew’s plan was to be more “aggressive” and to “punish teams” in the fragile opening minutes.

Osorio agreed, “The early goal destroyed everything (we talked about at halftime).”

The Red Bulls were obviously deflated but it Gaven’s third shot was the charm, running cleanly through the middle, cashing in on an easy assist by Hejduk in the 85th which gave the Crew the 3-1 cushion.

The Crew’s offense regained some assertiveness despite playing without MVP candidate, and assist leader Schelotto, but it is their defense that has them rolling to a six game undefeated streak allowing only four goals during the span.

When asked if Hejduk’s equalizer, his first goal in three years, was a shot or a cross Padula smiled and said, “It’s a score one to one…”

Whatever it was, Crew fans will take it, the win almost guarantees Columbus a trip to the playoffs, a place they haven’t been since 2004.

Schmid’s Crew travels to New England next Saturday and then hosts a sold out match against L.A. a week later.