RSL was down on the strength of two Schelotto goals by the 35th minute and it appeared as if Crew would be able to get over the one goal disadvantage and advance to the quarter finals. But RSL struck back from a Javier Morales goal two minutes later. Ten minutes later, RSL were awarded a penalty by referee Baldemero Toledo, a dubious call on Frankie Hejduk as Espindola went down a bit too easily. Robbie Findley converted the penalty and RSL had drawn level before the half.
In the 74th minute, Andy Williams received a short corner, and drove the ball into a thicket of players in front of the Crew goal. The ball skipped over Beckerman and Gavin, lodging itself in the back of the net.
The Crew threw everything into attack, including the kitchen sink but Nick Raimondo was stellar in goal. The defending champions were knocked out. It was their third consecutive home loss and it proved the costliest. RSL heads to the conference final for the second time in a row. Kudos to Jason Kreis and RSL for this momentous victory.
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