The Columbus Crew won their first ever MLS Cup by beating the New York Red Bulls 3-1 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Guillermo Barros Schelotto had three assists to his name- a record for a MLS Cup final. Schelotto, also became the third player after Tony Meola (2000) and Carlos Ruiz (2002) to win the MVP award in both the regular season and the MLS Cup in the same year. It was a sweet return to the Home Center for Crew boss Sigi Schmid, who had been sacked as Galaxy coach in August 2004. Crew are also the first winners of the newly designed Philip F.Anshcutz Trophy.
Columbus Crew are the first winners of the Philip F. Anschutz trophy
Alejandro Moreno gave Crew the lead in the 31st minute, but twenty minutes later, the Bulls were back on level terms as John Wolyniec scored. Crew’s lead was restored 87 seconds later when defender of the year Chad Marshall headed home from Schelotto’s corner.
There was still some more magic to come from Schelotto, and the Argentine set Frankie Hejduk up for Columbus Crew’s third and final goal in the 83rd minute to put the match beyond the reach of the Bulls.
Schelotto- 3 assists in the final
It was a great achievement for the Eastern Conference winners, who had failed to qualify for the playoffs in the past three seasons. They had scored 57 points from 30 games during the regular season. The Bulls had won the Western Conference with 51 from their 30.
Chester French and Colby O’Donis performed during halftime of the 2008 MLS Cup.
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