SALT LAKE CITY - The Crew saw its four-game unbeaten streak come to end Saturday, as it fell to Real Salt Lake, 2-0, at Rice-Eccles Stadium. After scoring 10 goals in its previous four games, the Crew was held scoreless by a RSL defense that hasn't lost at home this year (5-0-5).
The Black & Gold fell behind in just four minutes into the match on a Javier Morales free kick from just outside the penalty area. Salt Lake doubled its lead in the 78th minute, on a goal from second-half substitute Robbie Findley. The speedy RSL striker was fed by fellow front-man Kenny Deuchar and touched the ball around a charging William Hesmer. Danny O'Rourke lunged in a last effort attempt to slow the play, but Findley had already put his shot into the open net.
The Crew's best chance came in the 50th minute, when Guillermo Barros Schelotto let a shot go from the edge of the penalty area that beat everyone but the post. The shot rocked off the frame and fell to Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran, whose weak clearance went straight to Robbie Rogers. With little time to react, Rogers widely sent his shot high and wide.
A header from Chad Marshall off a corner kick in the 77th minute was struck with authority, but narrowly missed the goal. One last chance for the Crew came in the 86th minute when Rogers struck a shot from the end line that RSL keeper Nick Rimando deflected away with his chest.
NOTES:
• The Crew is now 3-3-2 on the road this season.
• Columbus is now 4-2-1 all-time against Real Salt Lake.
• With its victory, RSL (6-6-5) leapfrogged over L.A. and Chivas into first place in the Western Conference.
• RSL has allowed just six goals in 10 games at home this season.
• The two teams meet again at Crew Stadium on Aug. 23.
• The Crew returns to action on Thursday, July 17, vs. the Kansas City Wizards at Crew Stadium at 8 p.m. (ET). The MLS Primetime Thursday match will be televised nationally on ESPN.
