Two goals in the first ten minutes of the game from Tommy Heinemann and Eddie Gavin gave the Columbus Crew a rare road win at Rio Tinto Stadium over Real Salt Lake.
Real Salt Lake Vs. Columbus Crew: Two Early Goals Give Crew Win
Columbus pressed early and caught RSL off guard as Robbie Rogers set up both goals. The first goal Rogers raced down the sideline and cut inside the penalty box to find a wide-open Gavin on the far post who had no issue putting a shot by Nick Rimando. The second goal, just minutes later it was Rogers again who sent in a high ball to Heinemann who towered over the RSL defense and headed the ball by Rimando.
Some could blame the injury to Jamison Olave in this past Wednesday's All-Star Game for why RSL looked so "off" in their defense. Giving up the two early goals caused RSL to chase the game from an early point.
RSL only mustered one shot on goal on the night and really struggled to press the Crew's defense. The best chance of the night came from Fabian Espindola but his shot on goal was kicked out by Andy Gruenebaum, who earned his second shutout of the season.
The win for the Crew helps vault them to the top of the Eastern Conference with 34 points on the season. The loss hurts RSL as they have a couple games in-hand over everyone in the league. Dropping points at home doesn’t help their cause as they remain forth in the Western Conference behind Los Angeles, Dallas and Seattle.
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