Gaven's glorious goal sinks Fire; Crew to the Finals

The Columbus Crew were down 1-0 heading into the first half and the Supporters' Shield winner appeared to be at risk of failing to get to the MLS Final yet again. However, two quick second half strikes killed the dreams of the Chicago Fire and their fans as Columbus earned its first ever trip to next Sunday's championship game.

Near the half hour mark, a pass close to the left sideline took a deflection and Cuauhtemoc Blanco intelligently shielded veteran defender Frankie Hejduk off the ball leaving the U.S. national team defender on the ground and seeking a foul. He didn't get the call as the ball rolled out of bounds for a Columbus throw-in.

Blanco then once again outsmarted the American as he threw the ball in quickly to Justin Mapp who had loads of room on the left flank due to Hejduk being caught off guard and out of position. Mapp put in a well-weighted cross that found the head of Brian McBride. The former Columbus Crew player hit the ball with a trademark header and saw the it sail over goalkeeper Will Hesmer for the 1-0 lead in the 29th minute.

But four minutes into the second half, Columbus would find the break they needed as they notched things up.

Eddie Gaven drew a foul from Gonzalo Segares on the right flank and Columbus was awarded a free kick. Guillermo Barros Schelotto curled a beautiful ball into the penalty area that found the towering Chad Marshall. The MLS defender of the year got away from McBride and adjusted to the ball to head home the equalizer.

Six minutes later, Columbus found the go-ahead goal as a set of headers floated over Chicago Fire defenders before landing to Gaven, who would net from 12 yards out.

Gaven made a diagonal run as he received the headed-pass and controlled the ball with his left foot before slotting it past goalkeeper Jon Busch with his right. The midfielder then ran to fans in the stands and let out his emotions as the Crew supporters embraced him for what turned out to be the eventual game-winning goal.

Columbus now has a date with destiny next Sunday as they've punched their first ever trip to the MLS Cup Final. Who they'll play will be determined this Sunday as the New York Red Bulls travel to Utah to take on Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Championship.


What did you think of last night's game? Is it the Crew's year? Were you impressed by Gaven's goal? Share your thoughts below.