The game on Saturday repeated the scenario which the Crew supporters are all too familiar with these days. Columbus had opened up the match playing very good, attacking soccer but they were unable to score more than one goal. Sure they were without their top play maker, Guillermo Barros-Schelotto of Argentina who was out with a hamstring injury, but Robbie Rogers, Alejandro Moreno and Andy Herron were sharp as the Crew produced an impressive  25 shots at goal for the match. However, it’s always something with Columbus and this week they ran into a rookie goal keeper in Ray Burse who was absolutely superb in the net. His 8 saves coupled with the Hoops early equalizer through Arturo Alvarez in the second half helped take the wind out of the Crew’s sails. With time running out head coach Sigi Schmid  gambled and sent on the aforementioned Barros-Schelotto in hopes of finding some magic in the final moments. Instead, the all out attack played right into the hands of the visitors who were playing for the counter attack. Ricardinho and Abe Thompson would combine to produce 2 goals over the final 4 minutes to clinch a playoff spot for Dallas.

The result is a bitter pill to swallow for  Schmid’s side as it practically eliminates them from playoff contention for the 3rd consecutive season. It’s amazing to think that just 3 season’s ago the Crew finished as the number side overall in MLS and thus were crowned the winners of the MLS Supporters Shield Trophy. That was a title befitting a franchise with a top of the line home which Crew Stadium certainly is. The loss leaves Columbus with 31 points for the season, 5 points back of the Chicago Fire who currently occupy the 8th and final playoff position. With just 2 matches left to play it means the Crew have to win both matches while at the same time hope that the Fire lose both. If that scenario were not unlikely enough, the Crew also have to worry about the Colorado Rapids who are one point ahead of them and 4 back of the Fire.  

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