Nov. 23, 2008

CARSON, Calif. - Former Maryland standouts Robbie Rogers and Jason Garey led the Columbus Crew to its first ever Major League Soccer Championship Sunday, 3-1, over the New York Red Bulls at The Home Depot Center.

Rogers was a nuisance for the Red Bulls' defense, notching a team-high three shots in addition to having a score called back after an offside penalty. Rogers, who represented the U.S. in this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, started in 26 games for the Crew this season, notching six goals and three assists. Prior to landing with Columbus in 2007, the midfielder played for SC Heerenveen, one of the top teams in the Dutch first division beginning in August, 2006.

Garey has appeared in ten games for the Crew in his third season in the MLS ranks. The former MAC Hermann Trophy winner tallied three goals this season for Columbus.

This is not the first championship for the pair as the duo served as a critical component in Maryland's 2005 National Championship run.