Quick reactions from Columbus backup goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum preserved the Crew’s 2-0 road win over Real Salt Lake and took home top honors for MLS Save of the Week for Week 20.
Gruenebaum, who has started in net the past two games for the injured William Hesmer, propelled the Crew to one of their biggest wins of the season and the top of the Eastern Conference table.
In the 47th minute, RSL’s Fabian EspÃndola did well in open space to slip by two Columbus defenders before ripping a low left-footed shot to the back post. Gruenebaum dove quickly down to his left and managed to keep the ball out of the back of the net with his left hand.
The Columbus netminder becomes the first Crew goalkeeper this season to win the award, and did so in impressive fashion by tallying 47 percent of the vote. Vancouver’s Joe Cannon finished second, after his acrobatics pushed a Juninho volley over the crossbar.
For a complete list of Save of the Week winners, click here.
WATCH: Gruenebaum stones EspÃndola
Final Results:
1. Andy Gruenebaum (CLB), 47%
2. Joe Cannon (VAN), 35%
3. Matt Reis (NE), 11%
4. Matt Pickens (COL), 6%
5. Jon Busch (SJ), 1%
