Columbus Embarassed In Salt Lake City

Matt Bernhardt
April 2, 2009

Blech.

The Columbus Crew, reigning MLS Cup and Supporters Shield holders, were embarassed in Rio Tinto Stadium on Thursday night, losing 4-1 to Real Salt Lake. Robbie Findley scored a hat trick - the first conceded by the Crew since 2005 - and Kyle Beckerman added the final insult, overwhelming a 22nd minute goal from Jason Garey.

The first two RSL goals were arguably caused by the mistakes made by William Hesmer, exacerbated by abysmal defensive marking across the back line. The first goal, in only the 2nd minute, came from a long range free kick that Hesmer could only parry - directly to Findlay. The second was a gift, as Hesmer tried to launch an upfield clearance but topped the ball directly to Findley. The young forward took the gift pass, rounded Hesmer, and calmly slotted home.

Between these two strikes, the Crew did manage to show signs of their dominance of last year, including a goal from Jason Garey that was well taken. The improved form only lasted perhaps 10 minutes, however, before Real Salt Lake had restored their advantage.

It was in the second half that the wheels truly came off the Crew bandwagon. Findley and Beckerman scored in the space of five minutes, converting a manageable 2-1 deficit into a morale-testing 4-1 blowout. The third goal was aided significantly by poor marking from Danny O'Rourke, who reacted far too late to Findley's run. Yura Movsisyan's run into the Crew's right defensive corner drug Chad Marshall out of position, which was exploited well by Findley and not recognized by O'Rourke until too late.

The Crew threw caution to the wind after the third goal, inserting Alejandro Moreno and Steven Lenhart for Gino Padula and Robbie Rogers. This left the Crew with three forwards on the field, but shortly after the substitutions the fourth goal was conceded.

What It Means

The loss leaves the Crew stranded on 2 points from three games. The team is still looking for its first win of the season. The Crew needs to start showing signs of last year's form.

Up Next

The team's next match comes Sunday at Chivas USA, with kickoff scheduled for 8 PM Eastern.

For Real Salt Lake, they enjoy a mini-break, not playing again until April 11th when they host DC United.

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