Of all the team previews I am doing, this is the one I looked forward to the least. The team I hate the most was the league's best in 2008, and that sucks.
Columbus is another one of Major League Soccer's original sides from 1996. They are perhaps best known for being the first club in the league to have its own soccer specific stadium, which was funded by the late Lamar Hunt. In 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium opened, and since then, the SSS has become a necessity in MLS. The Crew won the 2002 US Open Cup over the Los Angeles Galaxy, and just last November won its first MLS Cup, beating the New York Red Bulls 3-1.
Coach: Robert Warzycha
Stadium: Columbus Crew Stadium (capacity 20,555)
Average Attendance in 2008: 14,622
2008 Record: 17-7-6, first in the Eastern Conference, first in MLS
v. Toronto FC in 2008: 2-0 @ Columbus, 0-0 draw @ Toronto, 1-1 draw @ Toronto
2008 Season Summary
The Columbus Crew opened up the 2008 MLS season with a 2-0 win over us at a match which was attended by over 2,500 Toronto FC supporters. They had a bright start to the season, winning 5 of their first 6 matches, and never looked back. A slight dip of form in June saw them slip down to third in the Eastern Conference standings, however a strong finish ensured they won the MLS Supporter's Shield. They were anchored by Argentine playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who was the 2008 league MVP, scoring 6 goals and 18 assists. Other players, such as Eddie Gaven, Brad Evans, Chad Marshall, and Robbie Rogers provided Schelotto with a very prominent supporting cast. After winning the league, the Crew went on to win the 2008 MLS Cup.
Player Movement (as of February 25, 2009)
In: None
Out: Brad Evans, Kevin Burns, Ryan Junge, George Josten, Andrew Peterson, Ricardo Pierre-Louis, Brian Plotkin, Ezra Hendrickson, Stefani Miglioranzi
Outlook for 2009
There have been no player additions for Columbus ahead of this season, and I can't really blame them for that. They have, however, lost Brad Evans, a key piece to their midfield last season, and head coach Sigi Schmid, both to Seattle Sounders FC.
They are set across the back, with American veteran and club captaion Frankie Hejduk leading the way. Included in their defense is 2008 Defender of the Year and newly re-signed Chad Marshall, and Argentine journeyman Gino Padulo. Their goalkeeper, Will Hesmer, had a bit of a breakthrough year in 2008. He was a finalist for the 2008 Goalkeeper of the Year, and should be be a very capable starter again for the Crew in 2009.
Their midfield is looking pretty good as well. With Brad Evans gone, it's being said that Adam Moffat will retake his place in the starting eleven. One player to watch out for is Emmanuel Ekpo. He has a lot of potential and could surprise a lot of people this year. Guillermo Barros Schelotto will continue to run the offense, with Brian Carroll acting as the holding midfielder. The wings are covered by Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven.
Up front, though, they are a bit thin. Venezuelan international Alejandro Moreno was often played as a lone striker in 2008, and with the support of Schelotto, Rogers, and Gaven, they were quite fine. Former Revolution striker Pat Noonan is their second choice, and he showed last year that he still has what it takes in MLS.
If the Crew can continue their form from 2008, the playoffs should be a lock once again. There will be a lot of pressure on their new coach, Robert Warzycha, but from what I've read, he has been generally well received from their fans.
Star Player: Guillermo Barros Schelotto
One to Watch: Emmanuel Ekpo
Possible Best XI
GK: Will Hesmer
DF: Frankie Hejduk (RB), Chad Marshall (CB), Danny O'Rourke (CB), Gino Padula (LB)
MF: Eddie Gaven (RM), Brian Carroll (CM), Adam Moffat (CM), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CAM), Robbie Rogers (LM)
FW: Alejandro Moreno
Other Team Previews: Chicago Fire, CD Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids
Disclaimer: This preview is not an official preview, but my own view. Some things might be a little off, but I'm a poor college kid, not a paid reporter. If you support the team being previewed and something is wrong, or you have something to add, please leave a comment.
Coach: Robert WarzychaStadium: Columbus Crew Stadium (capacity 20,555)
Average Attendance in 2008: 14,622
2008 Record: 17-7-6, first in the Eastern Conference, first in MLS
v. Toronto FC in 2008: 2-0 @ Columbus, 0-0 draw @ Toronto, 1-1 draw @ Toronto
2008 Season Summary
The Columbus Crew opened up the 2008 MLS season with a 2-0 win over us at a match which was attended by over 2,500 Toronto FC supporters. They had a bright start to the season, winning 5 of their first 6 matches, and never looked back. A slight dip of form in June saw them slip down to third in the Eastern Conference standings, however a strong finish ensured they won the MLS Supporter's Shield. They were anchored by Argentine playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who was the 2008 league MVP, scoring 6 goals and 18 assists. Other players, such as Eddie Gaven, Brad Evans, Chad Marshall, and Robbie Rogers provided Schelotto with a very prominent supporting cast. After winning the league, the Crew went on to win the 2008 MLS Cup.
Player Movement (as of February 25, 2009)
In: None
Out: Brad Evans, Kevin Burns, Ryan Junge, George Josten, Andrew Peterson, Ricardo Pierre-Louis, Brian Plotkin, Ezra Hendrickson, Stefani Miglioranzi
Outlook for 2009
There have been no player additions for Columbus ahead of this season, and I can't really blame them for that. They have, however, lost Brad Evans, a key piece to their midfield last season, and head coach Sigi Schmid, both to Seattle Sounders FC.
They are set across the back, with American veteran and club captaion Frankie Hejduk leading the way. Included in their defense is 2008 Defender of the Year and newly re-signed Chad Marshall, and Argentine journeyman Gino Padulo. Their goalkeeper, Will Hesmer, had a bit of a breakthrough year in 2008. He was a finalist for the 2008 Goalkeeper of the Year, and should be be a very capable starter again for the Crew in 2009.
Their midfield is looking pretty good as well. With Brad Evans gone, it's being said that Adam Moffat will retake his place in the starting eleven. One player to watch out for is Emmanuel Ekpo. He has a lot of potential and could surprise a lot of people this year. Guillermo Barros Schelotto will continue to run the offense, with Brian Carroll acting as the holding midfielder. The wings are covered by Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven.
Up front, though, they are a bit thin. Venezuelan international Alejandro Moreno was often played as a lone striker in 2008, and with the support of Schelotto, Rogers, and Gaven, they were quite fine. Former Revolution striker Pat Noonan is their second choice, and he showed last year that he still has what it takes in MLS.
If the Crew can continue their form from 2008, the playoffs should be a lock once again. There will be a lot of pressure on their new coach, Robert Warzycha, but from what I've read, he has been generally well received from their fans.
Star Player: Guillermo Barros Schelotto
One to Watch: Emmanuel Ekpo
Possible Best XI
GK: Will Hesmer
DF: Frankie Hejduk (RB), Chad Marshall (CB), Danny O'Rourke (CB), Gino Padula (LB)
MF: Eddie Gaven (RM), Brian Carroll (CM), Adam Moffat (CM), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CAM), Robbie Rogers (LM)
FW: Alejandro Moreno
Other Team Previews: Chicago Fire, CD Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids
Disclaimer: This preview is not an official preview, but my own view. Some things might be a little off, but I'm a poor college kid, not a paid reporter. If you support the team being previewed and something is wrong, or you have something to add, please leave a comment.
Posts
4 comments:
Even though you may have hated to do this one, you did a great job. Thx.
Stuart - a crew fan from day one.
I think Adam Moffat is the choice to replace Evans. It was an injury to Adam that opened up the position for Evans and if he has recovered from his injury, he will return to the slot.
Okay, cool. I was wondering what happened to Adam Moffat - I still remember he scored that first goal in your 2-0 win over us last March.
Credit to the unbiased post, nice work.
Glad to see ya hate The Crew as well, gotta love a budding rivalry.
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