"It's a Great Day to Be a Crew Fan"

Schelotto becomes League Leader in Goals during 2-1 Win over Chivas USA

COLUMBUS, OH - June 14, 2009 - Exciting. Tense. Dramatic. Spectacular. These are words that describe the match viewed by 12,658 fans Saturday afternoon at Crew Stadium. it was perhaps the most exciting match of the year for fans and players alike. The stadium environment was one of passionate fans and jubilant celebration.

This day was one of opportunity for both the Columbus Crew and Chivas USA. The Columbus Crew put their eight-game unbeaten streak on the line against Chivas USA, which led the Western Conference with a 8-3-3 record. Chivas USA was out to prove that it can do without U.S. national team members Jonathan Bornstein and Sacha Klejstan, who are participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Injuries could have been a stumbling point for both clubs as the injury report clearly stated. Midfielder Adam Moffat, goalkeeper William Hesmer, and defender Frankie Hejduk headlined the injury report for the Crew, while Chivas faced the absences of forward Ante Razov and defenders Bobby Burling and Lawson Vaughn.

The opening minutes of the game were characterized by aggressive play from both sides as both goalkeepers were tested early. A Schelotto shot in the 19th minute looked to be a gamebreaking moment, but it ended up in the sure hands of Zach Thornton. Chivas turned their opportunities into a goal in the 39th minute when forward Eduardo Lillingston took advantage of an overaggressive move by Crew keeper Andy Gruenebaum. Lillingston, who led Chivas with five goals, made the goal look easy with Gruenebaum on the ground. The consensus was that the first half was dominated by Chivas USA.

The second half would be defined by the Crew's reaction to falling behind. Midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo led an energized Crew offense out of the locker room. Columbus looked to score in the 53rd minute, but Thornton made a strong move to deflect a shot by a streaking Alejandro Moreno.

All of the Crew's frustration came to an end with an unbelievable goal by Guillermo Barros Schelotto in the 61st minute. Gruenebaum, who gave up an earlier goal, earned the rare assist for a goalkeeper. Momentum clearly swung in the Crew's favor after that point as they put the pressure on the Chivas defense. The Crew exhibited their dominance, especially in the area of shots taken.

Schelotto earned his reputation as a "magician with the ball" in the 87th minute with yet another spectacular goal. This would put Schelotto in the league lead with 10 so far this season. It would also seal the victory and send the Crew upward in the Eastern Conference standings..

Everyone agreed that the Crew have regained their form as defending MLS Cup Champions. Many recognized the importance of the match, particularly Frankie Hejduk, who shared his opinions after the game. "As an outsider looking in, it was a 'hump' game. We're at home, it's in midseason, against one of the best teams of league. Which way are we going to show everyone that the season is going? I think it showed tonight which way it is going for us." Hejduk downplayed the impact of his injury on the team when he said "I think tonight showed the depth of the team. We are going to need that. It is going to come in August when we play Saprissa and Cruz Azul."

No one failed to recognize the magnificient play of Schelotto, even Head Coach Preki from Chivas USA. "The guy is all over the field. He's crafty. We talked about it: make sure that we didn't give him those moments. Good players always find those moments."

Columbus looks to continue their winning ways on the road against FC Dallas on Saturday June 20. Dallas, led by forwards Kenny Cooper and Jeff Cunningham, is currently 2-7-4 in the standings.

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