Whitecaps 1 - 2 Crew
Final
  for this game

Columbus cruises into cracker with 'Caps

Apr 29, 2011 - 10:08 PM Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - The Columbus Crew will aim to extend their unbeaten run to six games when they host the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday in Major League Soccer action.

The Crew have been alternating wins and draws since April 1, meaning if the pattern holds true, they are in store for a victory this weekend.

Columbus (2-1-3) saw its club-record shutout streak snapped at 414 minutes in a 1-1 draw at Toronto FC in its last MLS fixture.

"It's fun to pretend that you're not going to give up a goal the rest of the season," Crew defender Chad Marshall told the league's website. "But this is soccer. It's a game of mistakes. You think about the two points [we did not gain] rather than the records. It has nothing to do with this season."

For the third time in four games, the Crew had the opposition earn a red card, benefiting their cause. They have scored five goals this season, three while up a man.

"The red card was huge," Marshall said to the Columbus Dispatch. "Obviously, it was nice playing a man up the second half. The way we came out in the second half and tied the game up pretty quickly, I think we're all disappointed that we didn't carry that on and get another one and get the three points. But it's a tough place to play so we'll take the point."

Speaking of red cards, Whitecaps FC will be without designated player and leading scorer Eric Hassli for a third time this season because of suspension. He missed the two previous games because of red card ejections, with Saturday's suspension being because of yellow card accumulation.

The team is coming off a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas, and hopes to rebound this week without arguably its best player.

Also out for Vancouver will be forward Atiba Harris, defender Jay DeMerit and midfielders Michael Nanchoff and John Thorrington because of injuries.

Out for Columbus because of injuries are midfielder Danny O'Rourkeand defenders Shaun Francis and Josh Williams.






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