Columbus, Ohio » Rookie midfielder Raphael Cox had waited for his chance to play as well as score his first Major League Soccer goal.

Given the opportunity with a depleted Real Salt Lake roster, he came through with one of the few bright spots in a 3-1 loss to Columbus on Saturday.

Cox, a fourth-round selection out of Washington in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, entered in the 60th minute and RSL down by three. He scored 16 minutes later after taking a header from newcomer Pablo Campos and striking a low drive from 16 yards.

"I was real happy to get it but it [stinks] that we didn't play better on the day and have a better result," Cox said.

He had played only 106 minutes in four prior matches but RSL was missing several regulars.

Almost a rescue

Campos, a Brazilian acquired midweek from San Jose for two picks, almost made an immediate impact. He entered at the start of the second half and broke free from the Crew defense even before the scoreboard clock had started.

His shot from the top of the penalty area went right.

"I should have made one more touch because I saw the goalkeeper come out," he said.

In tribute

Clint Mathis wore the No. 77 of Andy Williams , who left the team to be with his wife, Marcia, as she receives treatment for leukemia.

"We've been very clear with Andy the most important thing in his life is to be with his wife and his family and soccer comes a very, very distant second," Kreis said. "We're trying to be very respectful not requesting him back at any particular time."