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Late Gordon goal leads Rapids to come-from-behind win over Crew

Photo Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports

A quiet first half gave way to a dramatic second half as the Colorado Rapids snagged three points late in the match.

It was Alan Gordon who scored the winner just four minutes before full time of the Rapids’ 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.. The forward was on the receiving end of a cross from Josh Gatt, and headed the ball from one side of goal to the other just five minutes after coming on.

The Rapids, though, spent most of the second half behind, as the Crew broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Federico Higuain took a shot from outside the penalty area that looked sure to hit the target. Almost immediately after the ball left his foot, Michael Azira’s shoulder got in the way, sending the ball past Zac MacMath to give the visitors the lead.

The home side began the comeback late in the match, thanks to an equalizing goal in the 80th minute.

Marlon Hairston managed to find teammate Kevin Doyle darting towards the goal and sent the ball in his direction. The forward had no problem scoring from close range, marking the first of two goals in a six-minute period that would win the match for the Rapids.

Man of the Match

Marlon Hairston did his duties defensively, manning the right wing effectively, but it was his offensive effort that proved to be essential in his team capturing the three points. Grabbing the assist to the equalizing goal, he was crucial in giving his team the momentum to win the match in the dying stages.

Moment of the Match

Alan Gordon’s late goal provided not just late drama, but was also one for the highlight reel. The goal started with a cross from Josh Gatt, sent with pin-point accuracy from one side of the penalty area to the other, finding Gordon on the far post. The forward did not waste the opportunity, sending a strong header into the back of the net for his first goal for the Rapids.

Match to Forget

The Columbus Crew, after conceding the equalizer, brought on Jonathan Mensah to hold on to the away point and stabilize the defense. Instead, the defender’s seven-minute cameo saw him fail to prevent Alan Gordon’s winner, as he was marking the forward, marking an unfortunate short stint for Mensah.

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