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Crew end season on high note, tip D.C. United

Oct 21, 2007 - 3:27 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Robbie Rogers scored two goals and Alejandro Moreno added one as the Columbus Crew survived a frenzied finish to post a 3-2 victory over D.C. United.

Three goals were scored in the final five minutes, including stopping time, in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Goalkeeper Will Hesmer made seven saves for Columbus (9-11-10) but lost his shutout bid in the 89th minute when Christian Gomez scored the first of his two goals to pull D.C. United within 2-1.

Rogers responded with his second goal two minutes later to restore the two-goal cushion before Gomez converted a penalty kick as time expired for his 10th goal of the season to end United's 13-match unbeaten streak.

"It's always great to score, but this is no conciliation to missing the playoffs," Rogers said. "We have a lot of young players and we should be better next season.

"Our team ended the season strong and we showed everyone we can beat a good team."

With D.C. United (16-7-7) already having clinched the Supporters' Shield for having the league's best record for the second consecutive year, there was little to play for, leading to a wide-open game and several sparkling scoring chances.

"We got what we deserved," United coach Tom Soehn said. "This team came out flat and they beat us. This game was a reality check "

The Crew, who had their playoff hopes snuffed out last weekend despite a road victory over the New England Revolution, broke on top in the 21st minute.

From the right wing, Guillermo Barros Schelotto sent a pass ahead to Rogers, who barely beat an onrushing goalkeeper Troy Perkins to the ball and chipping a shot past him from the top of the box for a 1-0 lead.

Rogers almost doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, corralling a loose ball directly in front of the next and driving a left-footed shot on goal. Defender Bryan Namoff stuck out his foot at the last second and deflected the shot wide.

"Robbie Rogers was on his game tonight and had some great chances and made them count," United midfielder Brian Carroll said. "We just have to work harder this week and get ready for our next opponent - whoever they may be - and play our game."

United had its share of excellent scoring chances, with Roland Kpene and Luciano Emilio missing on headers. Emilio's shot hit the crossbar over a leaping Hesmer.

Tim Ward had a pair of superb chances for the Crew but was denied by Perkins.

The wide-open play continued in the second half and Columbus finally added to its lead on a defensive mixup by United.

Alejandro Moreno converted on a hard shot from about 35 feet on the left side to make it 2-0 in the 66th minute. It was his seventh goal of the season.

"This was not what you want going into the playoffs, but we'll work hard and be ready for our next opponent," Perkins said.

Schelotto assisted on the tally, his 11th of the season, as did Eddie Gaven.

D.C. United's Jaime Moreno, MLS' career leading goal scorer, suffered what was termed a mild ankle sprain and left the game in the 12th minute for precautionary reasons. It was his first game back after missing two matches to play for Bolivia's national team.