In case you didn't know, the Columbus Crew played the New York Redbull for the MLS Cup on Sunday. Soccer(soccer) in America is a strange sport: in addition to the regular season, the eight teams with the best records make the playoffs. The Crew had the best record in the regular season, while New York finished in eighth. Because of the miracles of scheduling these two teams didn't meet in the first round, rather in the final.The Crew won the game 3-1, and it was a well deserved victory. New York Redbull came out with a wide open style that was contrary to how they played in the regular season. They played with a lot of width, and tried to let Juan Pablo Angel run at players. When Dave Van den Bergh was caught out on the touch line, a Crew counter attack saw Alejandro Moreno dribble past a number of defenders and find the far post. Redbull's young goaltender, Danny Cepero should have covered the angle, but it squeezed by. John Wolyniec equalized with a left footed shot from close range, but the lead didn't last for long. Two minutes later a Scheletto corner kick found a hard charging Chad Marshall, who headed in the winner. In the 82nd minute Scheletto, league and MLS Cup MVP, lobbed a ball for Frankie Hejduk, who headed it over the onrushing Cepero.
I was very much impressed with the level of play in the game. Quite often MLS games can be full of mistakes that will lead to a number of goals, or a lack of skill that leads to no goals. This game was a great advertisement for the league, and the fast paced counter attacking style definitely pleased the fans. Scheletto definitely impressed, and his passing is what unlocked the game for the Crew. There are many questions whether the MLS can continue to grow, or if this will just be a springboard for players to go on to other leagues. With rumors that Angel and Scheletto might leave after this season, hopefully the MLS can continue to retain their veterans as long as the domestic youth. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of players from this game are snatched up by big clubs in January.
