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Casey scores as Rapids tie Crew in critical matchup

Sep 2, 2007 - 10:21 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Conor Casey's goal in the 84th minute allowed the Colorado Rapids to continue their four-game unbeaten streak with a 1-1 tie against the Columbus Crew on Sunday.

Casey received a centering feed from Mehdi Ballouchy and outjumped the defender, heading the ball past Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer to even the score at 1-1.

"I know Mehdi played a good ball and their keeper kind of got caught out and I got my head on it - and had pretty much an open net," Casey said. "It was good to score after missing a few chances in the first, but the main thing was to come away with the point."

"It's obviously disappointing when you give up a goal late like that like we did," Columbus coach Sigi Schmid said. "We were absorbing a lot of pressure, which was not the right thing for us to do at that point of the game either."

Columbus took a 1-0 lead in extra time of the first half when Eddie Gaven snapped off a quick shot from just inside the penalty area that found its way into the back of the goal. It was Gaven's third goal of the season.

"(Stefani Miglioranzi) played a perfect ball on my stride and I went in alone on the goalie - and all I had the easy part just kicking it in the net," Gaven said. "It was all in the ball he played, it was a perfect ball."

For the Crew, who is winless in their last five games, their struggles could not have come at a worse time.

Columbus (6-7-10, 28 points) remained tied with Colorado (7-9-7, 28 points) for the eighth and final playoff spot.

"Every time you get a point on the road, it is good," Colorado coach Fernando Clavijo said. "I know they were looking at this as a three-point game for them, but we came here to win. Unfortunately we were not able to, but we were able to get the point."

Rapids goalkeeper Brian Coundoul made three saves in the contest, but surrendered his first goal since August 4 - a span of three games.