COLUMBUS, OH - A Chad Marshall goal just before halftime helped give the Columbus Crew a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls at Crew Stadium on Saturday night in a rematch of last year's MLS Cup Final. The loss dropped a depleted Red Bulls squad to 2-12-4 (10 pts.) this season. Columbus, the reigning MLS Cup Champion after it defeated New York, 3-1, in the final at The Home Depot Center on Nov. 23, had the first scoring chance of the match nine minutes in after Frankie Hejduk earned a free kick on the right wing. Guillermo Barros Schelotto's ensuing delivery was nodded over the bar by Eric Brunner. Moments later, Red Bulls midfielder Khano Smith was able to get a piece of a Seth Stammler cross, but the ball went just past the left post.
In its first match against the Crew since the MLS Cup Final, New York was missing forward Juan Pablo Angel (right hamstring) and defender Kevin Goldthwaite (groin) due to injuries. Forward Macoumba Kandji and midfielder Albert Celades were on the bench, but both were dealing with hamstring strains. Defender Carlos Mendes left the game in the 41st minute with a left hip injury and was replaced by Sinisa Ubiparipovic.
In the 16th minute, Schelotto - MLS' leading scorer - nearly put the hosts in front. Robbie Rogers earned possession in the Red Bulls' half and slid it to an open Schelotto, who blasted a left-footed shot over the crossbar. New York struck back on the next play, as Stammler raced into the Crew penalty box and unleashed an attempt that went wide of the frame.
With the first half wrapping up, the Crew had a golden opportunity when Lenhart nodded on a Schelotto corner kick, but it was headed off the line by Red Bulls defender Alfredo Pacheco. On the ensuing play, however, Columbus took the lead. Schelotto again delivered the ball into the box and Marshall was able to leap over his defender and head it just inside the left post.
In the 57th minute, New York was close to tying the game. Ubiparipovic took the ball across the top of the penalty box and laid it off to Jorge Rojas, whose one-time shot was deflected and beat goalkeeper Will Hesmer but slammed off the crossbar. Two minutes later, Ubiparipovic had a long-range attempt caught by Hesmer.
With 20 minutes left, Columbus looked to extend their lead to two, as Rogers found an open Eddie Gaven and his header went past the right post. Soon after, Rojas was able to get his head on a Matthew Mbuta pass and he couldn't redirect it on goal. Rogers later got free from 15 yards out and his shot stung Danny Cepero's hands before the goalkeeper dove to collect it.
New York completes a three-game road trip on Saturday, July 4 against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park at 8:00 PM ET (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). The Red Bulls' next home match is on July 16, when they welcome the Los Angeles Galaxy at Giants Stadium at 8:00 PM ET (TV: Fox Soccer Channel; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM). For tickets, call the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
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