By JOHN BOSCHINI
Jeff Cunningham couldn't have chosen a better time to make MLS history.
The Columbus Crew striker scored in the final minute of Wednesday's clash with Vancouver to give the Crew a 1-0 victory. Cunningham is now tied with Jaime Moreno as the all-time MLS goals leader with 133.
Vancouver started the game with the majority of possession but Columbus had its share of chances. Robbie Rogers put a close-range effort wide of Joe Cannon in the 10th minute and Eddie Gavin put his shot wide in the 24th minute. Vancouver came inches from a halftime lead but Shea Salinas' skidding shot came off the post in first-half stoppage time.
The second half was more of the same with numerous chances but no capitalization. Rogers went wide just after the restart and Andres Mendoza tested Cannon with a long-range shot. Camillo almost knocked William Hesmer with a rocket from 15 yards out but Vancouver still couldn't find a goal.
The Whitecaps should have taken the lead in the 72nd minute when Columbus gifted Vancouver a penalty but Terry Dunfield's weak spot kick was saved by Hesmer. Vancouver's task got much harder six minutes later after Salinas was sent off for a hard challenge on Josh Gardner.
From then on it was one way traffic towards the Vancouver goal. The pressure eventually paid off when Cunningham directed Gardner's cross into the top corner in the 90th minute.
What did you think of tonight's game? How do you feel about Cunningham being tied for the league's all-time goal record?
Share your thoughts below.
