Crew Finally Beats Rapids
Published on May 10, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
COLUMBUS, OH -- The Columbus Crew earned their first victory over the Colorado Rapids in four years with a 2-0 win on Saturday night at Crew Stadium. The Crew maintained their lead atop the Eastern Conference with goals from MLS Man of the Match Jeff Cunningham and the Columbus' all-time leading scorer Brian McBride.
Colorado created several chances in the opening 25 minutes including a shot saved by Crew goalkeeper Jon Busch after Rapids forward Zizi Roberts beat the offside trap. Rapids midfielder Chris Henderson combined well with Roberts, barely missing a few connections inside the Columbus box. Rapids midfielder Mark Chung together with Henderson were particularly dominant in the midfield and were the key figures in Colorado's possession game.
The opening goal came against the run of play when Rapids captain Robin Fraser brought down Cunningham in the box. Fraser, who had suffered a head injury earlier in the match, challenged the U.S. international as he accelerated inside the penalty area. Using a hesitation move, Cunningham sent Colorado 'keeper Scott Vallow in the opposite direction as he slotted the ball to the left side.
The goal changed the flow of the game as the Crew began to put together more chances. Behind Cunningham, McBride and midfielder Kyle Martino, Columbus put together several goalmouth chances including a Martino shot that rang off the top of the post. The Crew went up 2-0 before the half with a second goal in the 43rd minute when McBride collected the ball in the Colorado half and was left free to make a run into the box, cutting to the left before putting a left-footed shot into the low right corner past Vallow.
The second half started much like the first with Colorado beginning their attack from midfield. Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, who played last Thursday night for the U.S. in an exhibition against Mexico, combined well with Roberts, holding up defenders in possession of the ball. Despite the work rate, Head Coach Tim Hankinson was forced to bring on fresh legs with Casey Schmidt coming on for Roberts in the 64th minute.
The game would continue to be dominated by Columbus with the Colorado offense failing to put together any creative opportunities in front of goal. The frustration showed as the game began to get physical with aggressive challenges by both teams. Columbus was able to comfortably manage the two-goal lead for the duration of the second half.
Colorado heads back home to host the red-hot MetroStars on Saturday, May 17 (4:00PM ET, ESPN2). On the same night Columbus faces League leaders the San Jose Earthquakes (10:00PM ET, HDNet).
MLS Man of the Match: Jeff Cunningham
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