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Thompson nets two late goals to lift FC Dallas past Columbus

Oct 7, 2007 - 2:59 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Abe Thompson scored two late goals three minutes apart to lift FC Dallas to a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday.

With the win, Dallas (13-11-4) clinched a playoff spot with just two games remaining in the regular season.

"I think this team needed a win today," said Dallas midfielder Aturo Alvarez. "It is a really good result for us and clinches a spot for us in the playoffs. Now we can look forward and forget about the past few games and keep pushing and get ready for the playoffs."

Columbus (7-11-10), which has just one win in its last 10 games, is now five points behind Chicago (9-10-9) for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Fire defeated the New England Revolution, 2-1, on Saturday night.

"Obviously there is disappointment," said Columbus coach Sigi Schmid. "No one is more disappointed than I am. You look at this team and no one can say we played bad soccer. It is a game of breaks and over the course of a season those breaks usually even out but they haven't for us this year."

With the game tied, 1-1, Thompson scored in the 86th minute to put Dallas ahead. After a scramble in the box, the Dallas forward put a right-footed shot past goalkeeper William Hesmer into the lower left corner of the goal.

"Coach just told us to keep attacking and playing and don't worry," Thompson said. "I was just happy to get the goals and get the result and now we can look forward to the playoffs."

In the 89th minute, Thompson scored again on a rebound from six yards out after Alvarez's initial shot was stopped.

It was the first win for FC Dallas at Columbus, and the victory also snapped a three-game losing streak.

"We have been through a rough stretch recently," said Dallas coach Steve Morrow. "I think the guys showed a lot of character tonight coming from behind to get the win."

Eddie Gaven scored for the Crew in 31st minute, and Alvarez tied it up in the 48th minute for Dallas.

Goalkeeper Ray Burse made a few big saves in the first half for Dallas, as the visitors were outshot, 25-14, on Saturday.

Dallas played without leading goal scorer Carlos Ruiz, who was suspended for a red card he received in Sunday's loss against Houston.