Real Salt Lake boot defending champion Crew out of MLS playoffs

November 5, 7:26 PMSeattle Soccer ExaminerDavid Falk

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Columbus Crew's Guillermo Barros Schelotto, left, dribbles the ball upfield as Real Salt Lake's Nat Borchers defends during the first half of an Eastern Conference MLS soccer playoff game Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

The second season didn't last long for the defending Champion and 2009 Supporters Shield winning Columbus Crew. Real Salt Lake came up big in Ohio tonight and bested the boys in yellow 3:2 after taking the first leg at home last week 1:0.

Match report from Deseret News.

Seattle fans are watching all of the playoff results closely in part of course because our Sounders remain alive and will face Houston this Sunday, but also because the Emerald City hosts the 2009 MLS Cup on November 22nd. It is a surprise to not have Columbus, a club that many consider the best in MLS, still in the running for Seattle.

Now the Sounders are one of only seven clubs who remain alive for the Major League Soccer Championship. Meanwhile, we know that one of Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire or New England Revolution will be in Seattle for MLS Cup 2009.

New England Revolution are at Chicago Fire Saturday holding a 2:1 lead. On Sunday Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy try to settle what is now a 2:2 draw. Sounders FC are deadlocked 0:0 with the Houston Dynamo. The deciding match will be televised locally on KING 5 at 12:30 PM (kickoff).

Can the Sounders take any notes of inspiration from RSL? Sure. The Utah club played their hearts out and outplayed the Crew in intensity and also in converting chances. It's a recipe for second-leg playoff success.