Columbus Moves On In Cup Qualifying, 2-0

Matt Bernhardt
May 27, 2008

The Columbus Crew defeated Real Salt Lake in Open Cup Qualifying tonight by a 2-0 scoreline. Steven Lenhart opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he converted a loose ball from a dozen yards, and Robbie Rogers added an insurance tally in the 53rd minute.

Sigi Schmid deviated from his standard league eleven in several positions, most notably at forward where Alejandro Moreno was paired with Azusa Pacific graduate Steven Lenhart instead of Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Adam Moffat returned to the lineup in midfield, joined by Emmanuel Ekpo on the right flank instead of Eddie Gaven. On the back line, Jed Zayner and Ryan Junge ran the outside positions in relief of Frankie Hejduk and Ezra Hendrickson, respectively. Andy Gruenebaum got the nod between the pipes.

Rookie Steven Lenhart got the game going in the 26th minute. Following a long throw-in into the box, Real Salt Lake was unable to clear the ball. It fell nicely for Lenhart, who from a dozen yards gave the Crew the lead. The goal was his first as a professional.

Dema Kovalenko was ejected in the 49th minute after a brief altercation with Emmanuel Ekpo. Following a physical struggle for the ball up the right flank, Kovalenko took exception to the pressure from Ekpo and threw the ball at the Crew midfielder. Ekpo fell to the ground after the light contact, and the referee gave Kovalenko his marching orders after deliberating with his linesman.

Moments after the expulsion, Robbie Rogers took a sideways pass from Brian Carroll and dribbled past a handful of Salt Lake defenders. His shot from the edge of the penalty area eluded Nick Rimando's diving save attempt and tucked just inside the far post. The goal was his sixth in all competitions this season.

After the second goal, or perhaps inspired by being short-handed, Real Salt Lake produced much better soccer as they tried to gain a foothold in the match. Columbus allowed them to have the better chances, and was at times caught napping a bit defensively. Each time, however, backup goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was well positioned to make the needed save.

Columbus, for their part, mounted the occasional chance of their own as well. Some of the better of these involved second half substitute Eddie Gaven, who in the space of three minutes had two gilt-edged chances but could not put the ball past Nick Rimando.

Right back Jed Zayner had a glorious opportunity to put the game beyond reach in the 85th minute. Andrew Peterson played him in from the right flank, and with a full head of steam he bore down on Rimando. His shot was struck with ferocity from close range, but the Salt Lake goalkeeper was able to tip the ball past the back post and out for a corner kick.

The last significant action of the match was a pair of yellow cards in injury time. The first came to Fabian Espindola for a vengeful challenge of Danny O'Rourke, while the second came in the last minute of stoppage time to Jed Zayner - also for a dangerous, two-footed tackle.

The two teams came together after the match as well, apparently as the players crossed paths. Columbus, as has become their custom, was headed for the northeast corner while Real Salt Lake were plodding towards the locker room. No immediate disciplinary action was apparent on the field.

With this victory, the Crew have advanced to the next qualifying round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They will travel to Peoria, Illinois on June 10th to take on the Chicago Fire. Kickoff will be at 8 PM.

Match Stats

1-0 26' Steven Lenhart (unassisted)

2-0 53' Robbie Rogers (unassisted)

Attendance: 4,816

Lineups

Columbus Crew

Andy Gruenebaum, Ryan Junge, Chad Marshall, Danny O'Rourke, Jed Zayner, Brian Carroll (Brad Evans 70'), Emmanuel Ekpo (Andrew Peterson 85'), Robbie Rogers (Eddie Gaven 75'), Adam Moffat, Alejandro Moreno (George Josten 77'), Steven Lenhart

Subs not used:

Will Hesmer, Andy Iro, Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Real Salt Lake

Nick Rimando, Ian Joy, Dustin Kirby (Tony Beltran 61'), Matias Mantilla, David Horst, Kyle Beckerman, Kenny Cutler (Andy Williams 45'), Dema Kovalenko, Matias Cordoba (Javier Morales 73'), Robbie Findley, Tino Nunez (Fabian Espindola 70')

Subs not used:

Kyle Reynish, Nat Borchers, Alex Nino