Three Minutes Of Madness Sinks Crew in LA

Matt Bernhardt
May 31, 2008

Columbus saw their hopes for a road victory dashed by three minutes of madness tonight. Chivas USA scored two goals in two minutes, followed immediately by the ejection of Danny O'Rourke. Try as they might the Crew could claw back into contention despite several golden opportunities, as the game ended with a 2-0 victory for the Goats.

The dam started to crack in the 20th minute. Chivas built up the right flank, sending in a cross that Danny O'Rourke was only able to head on rather than out of danger. Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball fell nicely for Jorge Flores, who sent a one-time blast to the back post before Hesmer was able to get set for the shot. Columbus appealed for a foul on Atiba Harris, but referee Fernando Galvan was unmoved.

Just one minute later, the Crew's defense sprung another leak. Chivas again attacked the Crew's left flank, drawing Chad Marshall to the left touchline to defend Justin Braun. Marshall went to ground, allowing Braun past him to reach the penalty area. As O'Rourke slid over to provide cover, Braun found Jesse Marsch with enough space in the penalty area to shoot high over Hesmer's outstretched hand and just under the crossbar.

Already buffeted by the two quick goals, the Crew found themselves reeling when center back Danny O'Rourke was dismissed with a straight red card for a rash tackle on Atiba Harris. Going into a challenge in the midfield circle, O'ROurke lifted his leading leg to make solid contact on Harris' knee. The referee did not hesitate to give O'Rourke his marching orders, and Columbus' three minutes of madness was complete.

Columbus spent the rest of the match searching for a way back into contention. They came close at times, most agonizingly in the 66th minute when Adam Moffat took a quick shot from a mere 6 yards in traffic. Brad Guzan, however, was just as quick in dropping to his left to make the save.

With the loss, the Crew fall to 6-3-1 on the season, with 19 points. They sit one point behind New England, although they have a game in hand. Chivas improves to 4-4-2, with 14 points.

The Crew's next match is next Saturday, at home to San Jose. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.