With kickoff pushed back an hour due to a violent storm the night before that knocked out the power in much of Central Ohio, 19,674 fans made it out to Crew Stadium to watch the Black & Gold take on Real Salt Lake on June 30 for the club's annual "Red, White and Crew" match. Danny O'Rourke returned from an ankle injury that had kept him out the previous four games to patrol the Columbus midfield, while Josh Williams and Julius James rose to the physical challenge in central defense to hold Fabián Espíndola and Álvaro Saborío scoreless for the night. First half goals from Tony Tchani and Eddie Gaven just before the halftime whistle secured the Crew's sixth win of the season.
Match of the Year candidates:
Nominee #1 - May 23, 2012 - Seattle Sounders 0 - Columbus Crew 2RECAP
Nominee #2 - June 30, 2012 - Columbus Crew 2 - Real Salt Lake 0 RECAP
Nominee #3 - Released November 19
Nominee #4 - Released November 26
Nominee #5 - ReleasedDecember 3
Nominee #6 - Released December 10
Voting takes place December 12-16. The winning match will be announced on Monday, December 17.
