Not So Dangerous Dallas

Gaven and Marshall Lead the Crew to a 2-0 Victory over FC Dallas

By Gary L. Moody, Jr.

COLUMBUS, OH-The Crew were back to their winning ways as they put an Dallas squad under enormous pressure. Both sides would see the absences of key players, but the action on the field was second to none. Columbus would be without defender Frankie Hejduk (quad strain) and midfielder Brian Carroll (card accumulation), while Dallas would miss the play of midfielder Alvaro Sanchez (ankle injury) and defender George John (hamstring injury). The Crew's Guillermo Barros Schelotto would start the game on the substitute bench before making a surprise appearance in the 91st minute.

The statistics from the first half didn't accurately tell the story. Fouls, shots, corner kicks, and offsides penalties were relatively even for both clubs. It appeared that Columbus made the most of their opportunities in the first 45 minutes, while Dallas garnered just a few half-hearted chances. The Crew scored quickly, posting a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Midfielder Robbie Rogers delivered a lofty cross to a waiting Chad Marshall, who hit the back of the net with an impressive header. Marshall's size and strength was a clear advantage here and throughout the game. Another opportunity would come in the 21st minute as midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo connected with forward/captain Alejandro Moreno, who was unable to finish at the last moment.

Crew fans were thrilled to see their star striker emerge from the bench very late in the game. When asked why he made such a move, Head Coach Robert Warzycha responded by saying, "I like to introduce him again to the fans because you will see more of him in the future." The fans chanted his Schelotto's name all night and the coach gave them what they asked for.

The first half would end with the Crew still maintaining a 1-0 lead. More opportunities would be had in the next 45 minutes. The 72nd minute would bring the best chance of the night for FC Dallas. Fortunately for the Crew, keeper Will Hesmer would deflect a precise header from Cunningham, sending it over the the top of the net. A controversial call would come in the 83rd minute as a Chad Marshall goal was disallowed by a late offside call. Fans had already begun to celebrate when they saw the dreaded flag. The Crew did get it right in the 87th minute with a goal by midfielder Eddie Gaven, who came in for Steven Lenhart in the 75th minute. This was perhaps the shining moment of the evening for the 19,115 passionate fans at Crew Stadium. Gaven started a fantastic run from about 40 yards out before making a strong move to his left, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Crew with a solid strike. Many said that this was the goal of the week in MLS; it was quite impressive to see Gaven shed two defenders and make a move out of the goalkeeper's reach. This incredible goal would make him our "Man of the Match".

FC Dallas is still reeling from the transfer of star striker Kenny Cooper, but Jeff Cunningham and Dave van den Bergh have stepped up their leadership roles within their club. Cunningham can be an electrifying striker at times, while van den Bergh is known for his precise crosses. FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman described Cunningham's play as "okay," but stated that not enough opportunities were created offensively. It was understandable for the Dallas offense to struggle as Columbus executed their defensive game plan to perfection. Ekpo and Rogers were particularly impressive as they put enormous pressure on FC Dallas from the wings. Marshall would finish the match with a goal and an assist and was equally disruptive on the defensive side. The squad's solid defensive performance and loads of movement forward were key ingredients in the recipe of success for the Columbus Crew.

The Crew's focus turns to the CONCACAF Champions League as they face the Puerto Rico Islanders on August 18. The Islanders of the USL's First Division were surprise semifinalists in last year's tournament and should be a formidable foe for Columbus. However, Warzycha assured fans that the tournament is a major priority for the Crew and all will be taken seriously. "Against Puerto Rico, we are going to put the best team possible that can win the game for us." Simply put, expect to see both Schelotto and Hejduk to be in the starting lineup on Tuesday.

International Soccer Network's Man of the Match: MID Eddie Gaven, Columbus Crew

More News

The Crew Review Home