Sunday, October 19, 2008


Danny Cepero was thrust into the starting role as goalkeeper when the veteran Jon Conway, and defender Jeff Parke, were suspended Thursday by the league for 10 games and fined 10 percent of their annual salaries after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.*

In the 83rd minute, with the Red Bulls already leading by 2-1 on a pair of goals by the incomparable Juan Pablo Ángel, Cepero shooed his teammates up the field as he prepared to take a direct free kick from his own end (he placed the ball on the 25-yard line, which was simple for all to see since the gridiron markings have been down since the start of the N.F.L. season).

Cepero’s long kick bounced high about 20 yards from the Columbus goal, near the top of the penalty area, and sailed over the head of Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.

It was the first time an M.L.S. goalkeeper had scored a goal from any play — a penalty kick, free kick, header or anywhere else on the field. (via NY Times Goal blog)

*Apparently "over the counter" supplements sold at a "national health chain store". (Maybe MLS should rethink Herbalife's sponsorship of Beckham's galaxy?)

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