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Sandy » Yura Movsisyan has shown a gift for the dramatic in his short stay with Real Salt Lake. In 2008, goals in the final seconds by the the young forward pushed RSL into its first MLS playoffs.
A week later, he scored RSL's first ever playoff goal, again in the 90th minute, this one against Chivas.
Saturday afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium, RSL again waited until almost the last minute before it delivered the game winner against visiting Columbus in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals series. This time, it was forward Robbie Findley, whose deft foot slipped the ball past Crew goalie William Hesmer in the 88th minute for the 1-0 victory.
Yet, it was the pinpoint pass by Movsisyan that created Findley's opportunity. Movsisyan, in what is likely his final home game for RSL, was once again the difference.
Movsisyan, who will move to a professional league in Denmark, was a late substitute Saturday. His energy and talent turned around what had been a ragged RSL effort.
"He's a handful," Columbus coach Robert Warzycha said. "He did what he's supposed to."
Prior to his entrance with 25 minutes to play, RSL found few scoring chances. Right away, Movsisyan made an impact.
In the 74th minute, his backheel nearly created a goal by Javier Morales.
"You want to come in and make a difference," Movsisyan said. "The team needed it. The fans needed it. I'm
So was RSL coach Jason Kreis, admittedly disappointed with his team. A little scared was how he described RSL's effort in the East Semi-Finals. Salt Lake needed a lift.
"Yura gave it to us," Kreis said.
It capped a brief -- Movsisyan came to RSL in September of 2007 -- but colorful career that included 15 goals.
"The team, the club and the fans gave me everything," he said. "This is where I was given a break."
No matter how long RSL lasts in the playoffs, this will be Movsisyan's last home appearance.
"Let's not say never," Kreis said. "We want him back in the worst way."
With open arms.
» Yura Movsisyan's third assist of the season sets up Robbie Findley's game-winning goal in the 88th minute of Saturday's MLS Cup East semifinal.
» Movsisyan, who will play in Denmark, entered his final home game for RSL in the 65th minute.
» Movsisyan has scored 15 goals for RSL in two seasons, including the team's first-ever playoff goal in 2008.
