COLUMBUS, Ohio — Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven led Columbus to its first MLS Cup appearance, scoring second-half goals in the Crew’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Thursday night in the Eastern Conference final.
In the Nov. 23 final in Carson, Calif., Columbus will face the winner of the Western Conference final Saturday between New York and Real Salt Lake.
“We’re a team that’s been very, very resilient,” Crew coach Sigi Schmid said. “Obviously we’re very proud. We’re very happy.”
Brian McBride, who played eight seasons for the Crew before leaving for the English Premier League in 2003, scored for the Fire in his first MLS game as a visiting player in Crew Stadium. McBride headed midfielder Justin Mapp’s crossing pass just past goalkeeper William Hesmer’s outstretched arms in the 29th minute.
Marshall tied it in the 50th minute, leaping over McBride to score on a header off Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s free kick.
The normally stoic Marshall celebrated his goal with uncharacteristic emotion, embracing teammates while running back downfield to his defensive position.
“That was the happiest I’ve ever been,” Marshall said. “I just started sprinting. I don’t even know why.”
Five minutes later, Schelotto headed a pass to Alejandro Moreno, who in turn headed to Gaven in front of the Fire goal. Gaven took one touch to settle the ball before lacing a right-footed strike into the back of the net.
Despite appearing to have time to think about his shot, Gaven said he pulled the trigger instinctively.
“There was actually someone closing on my left, so I had to kind of get the shot off quick,” Gaven said. “Luckily, it went in the corner.”
Chicago second-half substitute Marco Pappa failed to convert on his last-second scoring opportunity inside the penalty area when his shot sailed wide left of goal.
Donovan eyes European stay
MUNICH, Germany — Landon Donovan might get his wish to play in Europe again, and it could be at Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Donovan has been practicing with Bayern since Tuesday, the day he was voted U.S. player of the year for a record fifth time.
The 26-year-old forward led the MLS this year with 20 goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy, playing alongside David Beckham.
Donovan is in Germany for 10 days to stay in shape, but club bosses have been closely watching him. He had two unsuccessful stints with another Bundesliga team, Bayer Leverkusen, from 2001-05.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to see how football is played here,” Donovan said. “I’d like to play in Europe. In Leverkusen, I was young and I did not have the necessary maturity. I wasn’t ready yet. Now, I am different person, a different player.”
Donovan is the American career scoring leader with 37 goals in 105 international appearances.
Franklin named top MLS rookie
CARSON, Calif. — Galaxy defender Sean Franklin was selected MLS rookie of the year.
The No. 4 pick in the MLS draft, Franklin, 23, started 26 games for the Galaxy and played 2,385 minutes, second- most on the club.
D.C. United goalie has surgery
WASHINGTON — D.C. United goalkeeper Zach Wells had foot surgery and is expected to be sidelined about three months.
The Associated Press
