MLS Cup 2008: Columbus Crew Defeat the New York Red Bulls 3-1

by Jon Azpiri | November 23, 2008 at 02:58 pm

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MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto led the Columbus Crew to a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls to win the 13th MLS Cup at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The Argentine forward assisted on all three goals to lead the crew to its first-ever MLS title.

The Crew dominated the Major League Soccer regular season and became one of the few teams to top league standings and win the MLS Cup in the same year. The Crew finished 18 points ahead of the Red Bulls during the season and outclassed New York throughout the MLS final.

Alejandro Moreno opened the scoring for the Crew in the 31st minute. The Red Bulls evened in the 51st minute with a goal from John Wolyniec. Columbus regained the lead just two minutes later after Barros Schelotto set up Chad Marshall for the Crew's second goal.

The Crew sealed the victory in the 76th minute as Barros Schelloto lofted a perfect pass to team captain Frankie Hejduk, who deftly headed the ball past Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero.

Hejduk has been a fiery leader for the Crew all season long, not to mention a fan favorite. Earlier this year, Hejduk partied with fans in the parking lot while serving a one-game suspension. No doubt, Hejduk and Crew fans will be partying harder than ever now that the team has won its first MLS title.