Major League Soccer Playoffs, Leg 2: Crew Pull Even On Eddie Gaven Goal

In stark contrast to the first leg of this series, the Crew have been dominating almost from the opening whistle.

That domination finally led to the equalizing goal when Eddie Gaven jumped on a free ball inside the six-yard box in the 22nd minute.

Earlier in the match, Gaven had hit the post. Andres Mendoza and Emmanuel Ekpo had also come very close to tying the score.

The Crew have so far outshot the Rapids 5-1 and have given the visitors very little room to operate. Matt Pickens has only made one save, but several other shots have come close. Mendoza’s opportunity came after he was one-on-one with Pickens and he pushed it just wide. Gaven had beaten several defenders and got it past Pickens, but was denied by the far post.

As good as the Rapids have been at home this season, they’ve only won four times on the road. Whatever advantage they seemed to have at altitude appears to have totally vanished in Columbus. Conor Casey and Omar Cummings have so far been largely taken out of the match.