While the Columbus Crew continued their long unbeaten run, tying the MLS record with a 15th consecutive league match without loss in their 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday evening, striker Jeff Cunningham gladly ended two personal streaks. Cunningham started his first game since July 24 and tallied twice for his first goals since July 3, the first game of the unbeaten streak.
Although Cunningham hit the target twice on the night, he didn't begin the match in such great striking form. Just after the Fire took the lead through a Damani Ralph penalty kick, Cunningham made an excellent run toward goal, but struck the ball into the side-netting, much to the surprise of the home crowd.
"I was a little disappointed. I felt that is a chance that at this point in the season should be going into the net," said Cunningham. "I was disappointed in my lack of ability to finish there, but after that I noticed the team gained some momentum. I think that was a turning point in the game."
Cunningham scored his first goal 11 minutes after the break as he brought down a Duncan Oughton cross with his chest to then volley past Fire 'keeper Henry Ring as Fire defenders lobbied for a handball.
"I chested it down perfectly. It was not a handball. I was able to get away from the defenders and the goalkeeper committed and I was able to get it over him. It definitely was not a handball," the Crew striker said. "They are on the road. They are going to complain about everything -- especially being a man down."
Cunningham then struck again after Andy Herron pulled the Fire level with his first goal of the night, but this time with not such a pretty goal.
"Simon (Elliott) played a great ball. The entire team had shifted on the other side and left me wide open," said Cunningham. "I didn't strike it as well as I would have liked, but I think it had a chance to go in. I am happy that goal was awarded to me because I needed it.
"It was a shot. I am not passing the ball in that situation. I have been yelled at too many times. As a forward, I am supposed to be selfish in front of the goal. I was trying to be more aggressive in the box (Saturday) night, trying to shoot more," the U.S. international said.
If Cunningham had taken the penalty kick at the end of the first half, we would have completed a hat trick. However, he felt Kyle Martino had earned the right to take the kick.
"I did (want to take the penalty kick), but with my confidence being low right now, I felt that Kyle (Martino) was a better option. If I were playing 90 minutes regularly, for sure I would take it. He has been starting for six months so he definitely deserved to take it," said Cunningham.
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
