Heiney Strikes Again!!

Former Battery "Wildman," Tom Heinemann scored a brilliant goal for the Columbus Crew in a riveting upset of Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto.  Scoring only four first half goals all season, the Crew struck twice in the first ten minutes of play to silence the home fans and stun the MLS community.

The infamous Rio Tinto

RSL's stadium the Rio Tinto, has come to be known as a veritable football fortress in recent years.  Until this game, Real Salt Lake had lost only once at home this season.  A fierce rivalry has been growing between Columbus and RSL, particularly since their Western Conference neighbors ousted Columbus from the CONCACAF Champions League.  Such was the atmosphere as the Crew entered the Salt Lake stronghold, having never won a match on the grounds and being outscored 11-2 all-time.  This game would be a rather different story, much to the chagrin of the RSL faithful.  Only five minutes into the match, Columbus midfielder Robbie Rogers (who assisted both goals) slipped a ball completely through the box to an unmarked Eddie Gaven.  Netting for the fourth time this season, Gaven's goal looked as easy as breathing.  Five minutes later, from a routine throw in, Rogers again slipped the stalwart RSL defense and lofted a cross to the waiting Heinemann who headed towards goal, finishing with ease.  Try as they might, Real Salt Lake were powerless to overturn the deficit despite an concerted effort including fantastic play by Fabian Espindola.  Eighty minutes later, the Crew had done the unthinkable: stormed the RSL fortress and emerged with a historic win.

The game marked Tom Heinemann's eighth start on the year and he is seeing a lot more regular play with the first team.  The St. Louis native has logged 882 minutes so far and featured in 17 matches.  We've really missed his talent and personality in Charleston this year, but we're proud to see him doing so well and racking up goals in the big leagues!  Go Heiney!!  Go Black & Gold!!

Looking as wild as ever with two goals under his belt!