Crewture

1/19/2012: Former Crew Jeff Cunningham Headed To Communicaciones In Guatemala Or Hapoel Petah Tikva In Israel?

2012-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

Jeff Cunningham became the all-time, MLS leading goalscorer in a Crew jersey, now with that record in the rearview is Jeffro headed to Guatemala?

According to Univision, all-time MLS goalscorer and Crew legend Jeff Cunningham isn't putting up his boots yet and is instead headed to Communicaciones in Guatemala.

The 35-year-old Cunningham is one of four new players the Guatemalan club is attempting to sign to replace Uruguayan goalscorer Carlos Ramirez.

That's if Major League Soccer and the Crew accept the move. The article says that the Columbus Crew still hold Cunningham's rights; apparently because no other MLS team picked up Cunningham, who appears to be on his last legs, in the re-entry draft.

More than likely Communicaciones offer is going to be accepted or denied by Major League Soccer, not the Crew, and more than likely accepted since there isn't a lot of MLS teams looking for Cunningham's services at the moment.

Cunningham had a less than remarkable overall season with the Crew in 2011, but Communicaciones appears to be excited about reviving the MLS all-time leading goalscorer's career again:

"Communicaciones submitted a bid, now we just hope that they say yes, so we can send the airline tickets."

There's worse moves out there than signing any leagues, all-time leading goalscorer. Perhaps Communicaciones is looking for Cunningham to show up out of nowhere again like he did for F.C. Dallas a few years back.

Good luck to Cunningham as he looks to open a new chapter in Guatemala.

UPDATE: According to Soccer 365, Israeli reports have Columbus Crew free agent Jeff Cunningham in discussions with Hapoel Petah Tikva...

If I was Jeff I would choose Israel, prettier women and a much nicer place to vacation to. :-)

1/12/2012: Crew After Saprissa Striker Jairo Arrieta

2012-01-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

According to Pasion Morada, a Saprissa ultras/fan website, that spoke to Jairo Arrieta's agent; Jairo Arrieta had an offer from the Columbus Crew that was rejected by Saprissa.

The striker Jairo continue in the ranks of Deportivo Saprissa next season after the dwelling leadership not to accept the offer of the Columbus Crew of MLS. Jose Luis Rodriguez, agent of the attacker, as well as Mario Segura confirmed that failed to reach an agreement with the purple, so Arrieta will stay until Summer 2012. "No agreement was reached after two times I met for transferring Arrieta to Columbus but still have the option of consolidating all in June," said Rodriguez. In addition, because Saprissa has no players for this tournament is not going to allow another player to leave the ranks.

The 28-year-old Arrieta has been with Saprissa since 2006, scoring in over one-third of his appearances with 22 goals in 61 games for the purple club.

With Vargas and Arrieta both suiting up for Saprissa when Columbus faced off against the Costa Rican club in the 2009 edition of the Concacaf Champions League, it appears that Brian Bliss and company have kept tabs on the two strikers and have decided to dial up Costa Rica on a second occasion.

At 5'8 the speedy, crafty Arrieta can work off of Vargas who at 6'2 can hold a ball up until Arrieta or Renteria, Mirosevic, Duka, and company can join into the attack.

I would not take this article as a conclusion of business in January with Arrieta and Saprissa, apparently from the article Columbus made a second offer, what's stopping Columbus from making a third if they think Arrieta can help?

Arrieta's contract is up in June 2012 and he would be free to join Columbus then, but nice to see that the Crew are not content (such as in the past in waiting) and wants to get their pieces in place now.

If the Crew top brass believes Arrieta, who has been solid as of late for Saprissa, would be a nice piece to the puzzle I hope they keep trying.

Here's Arrieta talking about possibly joining the Crew:

This article from yesterday appears to say that if Arrieta can't get to Columbus in January, he will join the Crew in June on a free contract to partner up with Olman Vargas:

"It would be in Columbus, he is very good for the MLS ... we are trying to close the option of signing a preliminary contract, but there we are, the goal is to bring him right now to Columbus to be co-Olman in the front, we hope to finalize this transfer in the coming months," concluded the agent.

Arrieta seems like another positive addition from these videos:

1/11/2012: Renteria To Play In Copa Libertadores, As Well As Internationally, To Return In Top Form For Columbus

2012-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

1/11/2012: Renteria To Play In Copa Libertadores, As Well As Internationally, To Return In Top Form For Columbus
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

Crew striker Emilio Renteria, beloved by the Nordecke, is determined to re-negotiate with the Crew and return in top form for the 2012 season.

Out of contract since December 30th, both the Crew and Renteria appear to want a new contract in place for the deer. But, despite intentions to rejoin the Crew; there is the possibility of Renteria joining his previous club, Caracas F.C., temporarily for Copa Libertadores to get in top form for the Columbus Crew's MLS debut on March 24th:

"There is the possibility of playing two months in Caracas until the MLS starts," admitted El Venado to FutbolMLS.com . And although he joined the practice of his former team before joining the MLS, Renteria said, "It's just a way of thanks because I played two years here and I have great affection. I trained with them to stay and get well for Columbus. To play and that there is nothing settled yet. "

Renteria's motivation of joining Caracas temporarily for Copa Liberatdores (and perhaps why the Crew will not have a problem with the move) is that it's better competition for Renteria compared to MLS's preseason; Therefore, perhaps as Landon Donovan came into the Galaxy's season in top form after playing with Everton, Renteria can show up in top form for the Crew after a few months in Copa Liberatdores.

Renteria has changed his tune as of late, perhaps because of strong contact and negotiations with Columbus recently, as on December 21st he seemed a bit more uncertain of his future:

Renteria, will end his contract with the American club on December 30 this year. On short-term plans in his career as a professional footballer, said: "Yes, but I want to stay abroad, among the possibilities is the return to Caracas FC, they are part of my family and my agent is looking at some deals."

But, it appears from the January 5th MLS Futbol article that Emilio Renteria is content and happy with a Columbus return. In fact, that he is working on a new three year deal with Columbus:

Next to perform three seasons with the Crew, The Deer Renteria at the time expressed that his goals are straightforward: "I want to get well physically at Columbus Crew because my idea is to be top scorer of the season and together with my colleagues to take the team as far in the championship and become champion."

Renteria is also very happy with the inclusion of Milovan Mirosevic in the Crew side. Being set up by the Chilean national teamer, has the Venezeulan national player estatic for the 2012 season:

"Really, very happy! Good luck and welcome to the Columbus Crew with a big hug. I saw his games and is almost the same set of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, has very good ball handling and it's nice to come a player of his caliber to Columbus."

When asked what was the biggest difference of adding Mirosevic:

"The quality of course. For me, much better."

Therefore, the inclusion of Mirosevic may have helped Renteria want to be back with the Crew for the long term. If the Crew signs a designated player Renteria may have even more talent to set him up from the midfield in 2012.

Renteria has also been selected for the Venezuelan national teams games against the United States (January 21st) and Mexico (on January 25th), excited to see how Renteria plays in those games. Appears to be getting a lot more opportunities from Venezuelan manager Cesar Farias as of late.

Glad to have Renteria back in the fold, or nearly back in the fold, a player that the Nordecke and all Crew fans appear to like because of his hustle and effort.

1/11/2012: Former Crew Player Andres Mendoza Headed Back To Mexican Football With Atlante

2012-01-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

1/11/2012: Former Crew Player Andres Mendoza Headed Back To Mexican Football With Atlante
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

In the light of all the recent positive news out of Crew camp, I'm sure every Crew fan has wondered what's going on with Andres Mendoza these days.

Sarcasm aside.. According to the Daily Aztec, Andres Mendoza arrived at Atlante well over a week ago in a return to Mexican football this time with Atlante.

In the Daily Aztec article titled "12 foreigners arrive to win the league," the middle of the article stated that:
"Atlante buys the return of Andres "Condor" Mendoza. The Peruvian striker
who already played for Morelia and Monarchs, scored 15 goals last season
with the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer."
Nevertheless, after this article was reported on January 3rd and 4th there hasn't been much mention of Andres Mendoza officially signed with Atlante, or whether Mendoza is only on trial with Atlante; Or whether Mendoza got around the Atlante locker rooms and Atlante decided already to part ways with the Peruvian troublemaker.

Nothing. No mas.

However, it appears that Mendoza is using his 15 goals in MLS as a propeller back into Mexican soccer.

The Columbus Crew released Andres Mendoza at the end of the 2011 season for attitude and hustle problems at different parts of the 2011 season, despite 13 regular season goals (15 overall).

1/11/2012: Crew's Robbie Rogers Signs With Leeds United

2012-01-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

1/11/2012: Crew's Robbie Rogers Signs With Leeds United
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

Columbus Crew's Robbie Rogers has formally signed with Leeds United until 2014, on the condition that his English work permit goes through.

The Columbus Crew winger who electrifyed Crew fans in the early parts of 2008, had a down tick in form with the Crew in parts of 2009 and 2010, before upping his game once again for the Crew in 2011.

That upping of Rogers game in 2011 has led to U.S. National team appearances for Robbie Rogers, from former Orange County Blue Star teammate and national team coach Juergen Klinsmann.

Rogers (mostly) positive performances for the U.S. National Team and his improved performances for the Crew domestically in 2011 has led him to test out the overseas waters once again this offseason. As Rogers was out of contract with the Crew and showed more interest in pursuing Europe first, and if that didn't work a contract with the Crew second in these last few months.

Leeds United showed an interest in Rogers as early as mid-December. Rogers declined earlier that he had signed for Leeds United, despite staying in Leeds and trialing at Elland Road (below). But, it appears that Rogers and Leeds were just working out the contract formalities and have come to an agreement today.

Leeds Manager Simon Grayson on the Rogers deal:

“He has been playing in the MLS, where he has done well, he wants to
continue his career in Europe, and we believe he will make an impact here. As
soon as the work-permit business is complete, he will be an immediate part of
our plans and have an opportunity with the first team.”
Rogers will have the chance to help propel Leeds United (currently 8th in the English Championship, sitting one point out of the promotion playoff) into the Premiership for the first time since 2004.

Rogers said the following on joining Leeds:

“I am obviously extremely excited to be joining Leeds. These next few weeks
I will have to work extremely hard to get fit and hopefully make my first
appearance at Elland Road very soon.”
As for Leeds, they'll hope to get an interested and lively Robbie Rogers on the wings, such as the Crew had for the most part in 2011. They shouldn't have the problem of a disinterested Robbie Rogers, as seemed to be the case in parts of 2009 and 2010 with the Crew.

This shouldn't be a problem for Leeds, as Rogers will have an interesting challenge to help Leeds into the Premiership.

As for Crew fans, Robbie Rogers departure hasn't been met with a lot of sadness or joy, perhaps indifference. Rogers was a great player at times for the Crew, had to be to have 106 appearances. However, at times he played okay and didn't fulfill his great potential. Hopefully at Leeds he will.

Crew fans wouldn't of minded Rogers as a starter on the wings again in 2012, but now we can move past the pipedream of adding Rogers to the lineup and focus on players who definitely want to help the Crew win a championship this upcoming season.

Another positive is Rogers can get a lot more use out of his scarf look in chilly, wet England.

1/11/2012: "I Only Would Leave For Crew," Speas Signs Homegrown Player Contract

2012-01-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

1/11/2012: "I Only Would Leave For Crew," Speas Signs Homegrown Player Contract
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

Ben Speas stated today that he would not have left North Carolina early for anyone but the Columbus Crew. The Stow, Ohio native grew up watching games at Crew Stadium; “I remember seeing Brian Maisonneuve and Robert (Warzycha) and all them and Jeff Cunningham. I’ve been to quite a few games in my time," said Speas. Because of Speas connection to the Crew both in the stands and on the field as a former Crew academy star, it's only natural that Speas would want to spend an indefinite ammount of his career in the Crew black and yellow.

Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss believes that the Columbus Crew pulled off a coup, as Ben Speas dramatically improved his game at North Carolina in his junior year, was phenomenal in the national tournament, and would have improved greatly enough in his senior year to possibly head to Europe.

As Bliss opined;

“If we didn’t come up with a package that makes sense, I don’t think he
would’ve gone to Europe but he might’ve elected to stay in school and if he
had stayed in school for another season then there might’ve been a better
likelihood of him going to Europe because he would’ve had more time to set
up something like that,” Bliss said. “I wasn’t afraid he was going to go to
Europe now, it was more if he stayed in school he might leave next
year.”
Instead, the Columbus Crew's top brass (Warzycha, Bliss, and McCullers) can add another feather to their crowded cap next to Mirosevic and Vargas, in Speas. Bliss even could take a moment to congratulate himself today.

“I think these are three significant and worthwhile signings that I think the fans are going to grab onto,” Bliss said.

Worthwhile. Yes? Significant? Will see. I believe all three, along with the tidy little signing of Mendes and a healthy Tony Tchani will fill the void left behind from Ekpo and a Leeds United-bound Rogers. But, significant depends upon how fast Speas takes to the MLS game, if Vargas is worth his salt, and if Mirosevic still has the legs on him to get back to his form in 2009.

But, all three are promising, especially in their attitudes.
“I’m so excited to get the chance to play with these guys and learn from
the veterans,” Speas said. “Guys like Eddie Gaven and Chad Marshall, I’ve
been following them since they joined the Crew. I’ve been lucky enough to
train with them here and there a little bit. Just to be able to line up next
to them is going to be a dream come true, definitely. I’ll soak it all
up.”

It's nice to have another local (along with Danny O'Rourke) that takes it as a honor to be lining up as Columbus Crew. It's nice to see the Crew academy shaping up to do what it's supposed to do by giving us an advantage to sign local talents such as Speas. It's nice to see a positive attitude from players coming into the side.

Likewise, Mirosevic said "I can't wait to try to win a championship for a great team such as the Crew," never heard that out of Andres Mendoza's lips.

Positive attitudes lead to positive results.

Three positive signings in Merosevic, Vargas, and Speas. A chance tomorrow to add another possible starter in the MLS Draft first round with the #10 pick.

Then the top brass needs to focus on getting a positive, designated player. Done well so far filling those seats for 2012, let the lineup help you by adding a Stankovic or Forlan to the list of impressive pickups.

But, I understand that type of designated player signing is unlikely here in Columbus. However, I just want a designated player more positive, more concerned with Columbus as Mirosevic, Vargas, and Speas all seem to be.

1/9/2012: What Designated Player Can Fill The Ekpo/Rogers Void On The Wings?

2012-01-08T23:34:00.001-08:00

1/9/2012: What Designated Player Can Fill The Ekpo/Rogers Void On The Wings?
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

The Columbus Crew have stated to their fans that they are courting many "well-known" players as a possible designated player option in 2012. The front office has confused "well known" for players such as Andres Mendoza or Sergio Herrera in the past. Crew fans want someone better known in the world of soccer, who will make a splash. And I hope it doesn't mean that the Crew sent Dejan Stankovic a facebook message like "would you want to play for us <3." I hope this is the real deal type of feelers.

The Crew need some firepower this season. Chile national teamer Milovan Mirosevic is a great start, but if the Crew can combine that with a big time DP, it will make one wonder where the front office who's flashiest signing last year was Tommy Heinemann went.

We need a Maciej Zurawski type rumor (Zurawski not moving to Columbus actually turned out to be his biggest mistake as his career went down the crapper by choosing Cyprus instead). But Zurawski was playing for Celtic at the time, that gets fans pumped when you have a player transferring from a big club such as Celtic or Inter Milan.

Designated player targets that have been thrown out by (overly) optimistic Crew fans are Stankovic, his Inter teammate Deigo Forlan, Humberto Suazo, Miguel Sabah, Juan Arango, and many more.

The front office is on steroids this year so far (with Mirosevic, Vargas, possibly Speas already, better ticket sales) they need to keep this momentum going by signing someone that will make fans jaws drop.

The Crew also should focus that designated player signing on someone who can play on the wings if Rogers or Ekpo do not re-sign.

Dejan Stankovic can play on the wings or just about anywhere in the midfield. He is the perfect match for Columbus if he does comes to Major League Soccer.

Stankovic has been rumored recently to be headed to Major League Soccer (since the Serbian only has 10 appearances, 5 from the bench so far this season for Inter). He's been connected with the obvious (and if you ask me plastic) clubs of the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bull.

I think Stankovic would enjoy his football more at Columbus.

First, he's a loyal type. He's only played for three clubs his entire career (Red Star Belgrade, Lazio, and Inter Milan). You know who else only played for three clubs, Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

He also strikes me as having a lot of the attributes of a Guillermo. Short, stocky, tough, no frills, lets his playing do the talking, never takes a game off. Attributes that the Nordecke would love; and might be more ignored in a place such as Los Angeles, when you got Beckham waltzing around and a half-interested Robbie Keane up at striker.

Further, he may be able to build a nice friendship/partnership with Mirosevic in the middle, since it appears Milovan Mirosevic is of Serbian descent as well.

Stankovic would be a star in Columbus, and just another act in the circus at Los Angeles or New York. Stankovic would be around the age of Guillermo when he came over and for some reason I would see Stankovic as an excellent match if the Crew could ever find the money. Plus we could all do the stanky leg if he scores.

The Crew have however said they were looking mainly at players from Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Hmm.. Uruguay

Diego Forlan has been connected with the Seattle Sounders before extensively last season. He would also fill the Steven Lenhart void in the Nordecke (don't believe me type Diego Forlan in Google Images, reminds me so much of Lenhart). Also, another player with heart, lots of goals in him, and who would probably enjoy his football in Columbus.

Forlan in Copa America 2011:

But, likely it will be a lesser known player than Stankovic or Forlan, someone such as Mexican national player Miguel Sabah.

100 or so goals in 280 games. Not a blow you away type player, but someone the Crew could afford and someone that would still have success scoring in Columbus Crew Stadium (despite playing for the Mexican national team :-0). But, I see it being a Sabah-like name but from South America, someone capable with hopefully better overall attributes compared to a Mendoza or Herrera.

So, what type of designated player do you think will pick up in 2012?

1/9/2012: Crew Academy Star Ben Speas Having Last Second, Second Thoughts Of Joining Crew?

2012-01-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

The most highest guarded secret in Crewland at this moment is Ben Speas contract status? Has the College Cup champion with the University of North Carolina and Crew academy product signed a senior contract with the Columbus Crew or has Speas had a last minute change of heart.

Otherwise known as twitter jitters apparently in the case of Speas. Teammates congratulated Speas yesterday and Speas girlfriend got a little over excited (as girls tend to do), and allegedly posted a picture of her and her man on her twitter account in Crew gear.

When Speas saw this he must of ran to his phone, sort of like this (without the smile of course)->

And said not so fast, please take that down hunny and bros.

Well, since Saturday at noon when Mark Hedges posted and the girlfriend put up the picture, both hints towards the Crew have been taken down. Come on someone had to save the picture yesterday, would be a nice one if Speas ends up at TFC. :-)

Anyway, what's going on here? Why the cloak and dagger? I know the solution, the front office will tell us what's going on here.

Ermm... I know Bliss will drop the ball.

Well that's a little blunt, tease us a little Bliss.

For f**ks sake, when all else fails go with the source 10 hours away from Columbus. The D.C. United reporter Steven Goff:

1/7/2012: What's Your Solution To Our Winger Problem?

2012-01-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hesmer is off taking a poop because our defense is that good.

Robbie Rogers and Emmanuel Ekpo will likely not be back, and even though Mirosevic and Vargas are big steps in the right direction neither address our winger problem. Further, Gaven may be still working out the kinks of his concussion this past season. So, I want you the Crew fan to address our winger problem.

Who can we trade for in MLS to solidify our wings?
What designated player would you pick up as a winger?
What player in the MLS draft could we get in the first round that could start as soon as possible on our wing?
And what funny thing (or serious thing) can the Crew or it's fans do to entice Ekpo or Rogers into signing another contract?

Doing a big write up on this tomorrow. Got some ideas, need your ideas. Go at it. Please comment.

1/7/2012: Vargas CONFIRMED; Big Target, But Quick, Good Attitude Says McCullers

2012-01-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Columbus Crew made the signing of Olman Vargas official yesterday on their club website, marking the second high profile signing by the Crew this week. The Crew will try for the trifecta this weekend, as they also offered Tar Heel maestro, Ben Speas, a homegrown player contract.

Crew head coach Robert Warzycha and Crew General Manager Mark McCullers had a lot of positives to feed to the press yesterday on why the duo are high on Vargas.

My favorite quote about Vargas (and Mirosevic) is when McCullers was asked if he thinks there will be an adjustment period for the new internationals:

“That’s always a possibility with any international signing. I think we’ve learned over time a lot better hw to do our research and mitigate those types of situations, although recent history would tell us that were still not perfect at it. But I feel confident in these two guys and their character and their attitude. That goes a long way in terms of how they’re going to acclimate.”

Character and the right attitude isn't something that some recent Crew internationals have had, namely Sergio Herrera and Andres Mendoza. It appears the Crew have learned their lesson, and that lesson is 1.) sometimes a player may have a nice resume 2.) but before you get all excited and dump a truckload of cash on him 3.) check how he is in a locker room, how much he cares about your club, and why no team wants him.

The Crew are like a guy who has been in a bad relationship, and has decided to settle down with the right girl (or rather girls lol) in Vargas and Mirosevic. You can just tell there guys who will just do the business on the field and won't be like "me, me, me" all the time.

That's important.

I also wonder if this duo of new signings will demonstrate to a Robbie Rogers or Emmanuel Ekpo that the right pieces are in place to win a championship, and may make negotiations easier for at least one of the two to come back (I'll have a thorough breakdown of the options for the Crew on the wings tomorrow).

But, if the Crew can add an Emmanuel Ekpo and Robbie Rogers on the wings, Mirosevic/Duka/Speas in the middle, Renteria and Vargas up top, Marshall/O'Rourke/Mendes/Balchan in defense then the Crew are going to be pretty hard to beat in 2012. Further, other players like Tchani, Meram, James, Francis, etc. are capable replacements. Throw in a designated player striker in the mix, or rather another central midfielder as designated player to combine with Mirosevic, and the possibilities make me want to go in my basement and make a banner right now.

So, back to Vargas, who I'm re-labeling the Central American Brian McBride. Other positive attributes of Vargas include:

*Age is 26, in his prime
*Strong
*Nice Frame -> Both usually bode well in MLS
*Has No Problem Being Physical
*Hustles on defense
*Good Header Of The Ball (Nearly every goal I've seen of his has been a header)
*But Even Though A Bigger Guy, Quicker Than One Would Expect

Welcome to Columbus, Olman Vargas! Score lots of goals and the Nordecke will be singing your name soon enough. :-)

1/5/2012: Chilean National Team Player Mirosevic Confirmed Signing, Similiar To Schelotto?

2012-01-05T00:32:00.001-08:00

Chilean National Team Player Mirosevic Confirmed Signing, Similiar To Schelotto?
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

The signing of Milovan Mirosevic was confirmed earlier today on the Columbus Crew's official website. The Chilean striker was recommended by Crew defender Sebastian Miranda, who played with Mirosevic at Catolica. The Crew hope to receive the same effort from Mirosevic in the midfield as they received from Miranda in defense in 2011.

Mirosevic is coming off of a 2010-2011 campaign filled with injuries; as out of 40 competitions Mirosevic played in 19 games and scored only 5 goals. Players do have off years and Mirosevic was in comparison excellent in the 2009-2010 campaign. In 2009-2010, Mirosevic scored 19 goals to lead the Chilean First Division in scoring. What was even more remarkable is that Mirosevic mainly played midfield and withdrawn forward at that time, Mirosevic has been mentioned as more of a no. 10 maestro in the Catolica midfield compared to an out and out forward.

Sound familiar? Mirosevic has already been compared by Crew fans to another former Crew midfield general in Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Nevertheless, Warzycha tried to leaven off some pressure on Mirosevic's expectations by saying,

“[Mirosevic] is going to be one of the most dangerous guys in the box, whether it’s a corner kick or a free kick,” Warzchya said, “but I don’t want to compare him to Guillermo or anybody else in the league.”

Warzycha reiterated this in multiple quotes today. But, most Crew fans would be fine if Mirosevic ends up being 70% percent as good as Guillermo was in 2008 and 2009. Mirosevic doesn't have to be Guillermo, he just has to be Mirosevic and try to mimmick his best form from 2009. Because if Mirosevic even gets close or halfway to those numbers, he will likely be a success.

Another interesting aspect with Mirosevic is that even though he has seen strings of limited opportunities with the Chilean national team, Mirosevic has been put back in the picture as of late under Chile's new manager Borghi.

Mirosevic played a good 30 minutes overall as a substitute in Chile's two World Cup qualifying games this previous November, in a loss against Uruguay and victory against Paraguay.

It waits to be seen if a move to MLS helps or hinders Mirosevic's progress with the national team. However, the 31 year old Mirosevic will likely be looking to get back to his best times with La Roja, such as when he scored in 2003 to start a 2-2 comeback tie against Argentina (at 5:13 in video below).

A good start with the Crew in 2012, with some goals and form should help keep Mirosevic in the national team picture. Crew fans would like to have national team players but won't likely care either way as long as they get goals from Milovan. 19 celebrations in 2009, wouldn't be bad to have 19 celebrations in 2012 in front of the Nordecke.

1/5/2012: Ben Speas To Bypass Draft, Sign As Homegrown Crew Player?

2012-01-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ben Speas To Bypass Draft, Sign As Homegrown Crew Player?
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

The Columbus Crew have signed Milovan Mirosevic, are on the verge of signing Olman Vargas, and could get another big boost by having Ben Speas accept his homegrown player tag with the Columbus Crew. The Crew have to be looking to make Speas priority number one, with Mirosevic and Vargas already gift wrapped underneath the Crew's orthodox, Christmas tree. Especially since Speas homegrown player tag would allow him to bypass the 2012 MLS Draft and sign for the Crew.

Speas has played academy football for Columbus for most of his career, as well as featuring for the University of Akron and most recently the 2011 National Champions- the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Speas beautiful, individual effort in the 2011 College Cup Final for the game winner, would look even better in the confines of Columbus Crew Stadium:

Speas played in all 26 of the Tar Heels games in 2011, starting in 25. Speas collected 7 goals and 10 assists in the 2011 season.

The Crew academy product also has 50 appearances with Akron in his freshman and sophomore years in college. Speas would be another attacking option if he does take the Homegrown Player tag with the Columbus Crew.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Bliss said he sat down with Speas and his family about a week ago to discuss the Crew academy product becoming a member of the Crew senior side and bypassing the draft. The deal for Speas, a definite potential first rounder would be huge, as the Crew would virtually be receiving two first round talents, Speas and the 10th pick; that's if the Crew can iron out a deal with the UNC attacker in the next week and nothing's definitive as a better contract sometimes outweighs a player's loyalty.

Nevertheless, it would be quite the slight or missed opportunity if the Crew cannot work out some sort of deal with Speas.

OTHER MEDIA: Speas also did an interview in December with Crew Communications discussing his game winner in the 2011 College Cup Final.

1/5/2012: Olman Vargas Says He Has Agreement In Place With Columbus Crew

2012-01-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

26 year old Olman Vargas is headed to Columbus based on his word and all accounts out of Costa Rica, Vargas comes to the Crew with experience at top Costa Rican clubs Saprissa and most recently Club Sport Herediano.

Vargas appears to be gaining in confidence as he's getting into that striker form, from the age of 26 to 29, when a striker usually has his best years.

During the 2010-2011 season Vargas had a career high 11 goals for CS Herediano in Costa Rica. Vargas has continued that form at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season; as can be seen in the following goals from November 2011.

Vargas appears to be a big, but quick target who is excellent on headers in that 12 yard area from net:

With Milovan Mirosevic confirmed signed (A Chilean league leading 19 goals in 2010, Captain of Catolica, and Chilean National Team player), along with Olman Vargas who also seems to be in the best goal scoring form of his career; Crew fans have to like the aggressive approach the Crew have taken so far in this offseason to remedy it's attack to go along with an improved defense.

The deals will especially make Crew fans feel warm inside since neither Vargas or Mirosevic are counting as a designated player, while Warzycha stated the team is still vigorously looking for a designated player by the start of the season in 2012. All in all a lot better than an offseason of signing Jeff Cunningham and finding out a non-passionate Mendoza was going to be our designated player in 2011.

Thumbs up.

1/4/2012: Chilean Midfielder Milovan Mirosevic Close To Joining Crew's Ranks

2012-01-04T03:34:00.000-08:00

According to PrensaFutbol in Chile, who have had conversations with Mirosevic's club officials at Universadad Catolica, 31 year old Milovan Mirosevic is very close to joining up with the Columbus Crew in this offseason.

The Crew have gone to Chile on a few occasions for foreign signings and if this deal is done the Crew will hope it doesn't have the failure of former Chilean midfield signing Sebastian Rozental (20 appearances, tons of fitness issues). Or other midfield foreign flops as of late such as Sergio Herrera (1 appearance from Columbia) or Dejan Rusmir (18, mostly as a sub appearances).

Haven't had a good foreign signing since Guillermo in midfield. But, hopefully isn't another Rozental (above), Mirosevic would be coming over at 31, Rozental was 30 when he came to the Crew.

But, rather the Crew will be hoping Mirosevic mimicks the success of Chilean defensive signings Marcos Gonzalez and Sebastian Miranda (35 appearances in 2011).

Here's Milosevic scoring against Gremio last year in the Copa Liberadores:

Mirosevic did have 19 goals in 32 games in 2009 from midfield for Universadad Catolica. But, Sergio Herrera also had an impressive goal scoring streak in Columbia before coming to the Crew and faltering here.

Mirosevic is also involved in World Cup qualifying for Chile, taking part in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers that took place this November against Paraguay and Uruguay. Mirosevic came on as a late substitute in both games.

1/3/2012: Artists Could Use The Nordecke As Their Next Canvas

2012-01-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn artist Craig Anthony Miller has used Brooklyn as his personal canvas just as we use the Nordecke as ours:

I was flying back from the NAIA Soccer Championships in December and I was reading Airtran Airways tacky GO magazine. But, there was one good story about this writer who visited New York, and met all these different artists and art galleries; one guys artwork really caught my attention as very soccer ultra-like, this Miller guy.

AirTran's Go Magazine Article and Picture of Miller's artwork:

Here's a video on Miller.

His story in that magazine inspired me so figured why not shoot him a message on facebook, as most mom's give as advice, "you never know until you try." So sent him a message:

The guy added me on facebook. But, no reply. Possibly if some others who have done artwork in the Nordecke sent him there stuff.

But, doesn't have to be this guy.

Instead I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Nordecke to search out local artists here in Columbus, Ohio and send them some artwork from European crowd displays, along with our attempts.

Could be a win-win. They see an outlet where they can display there artwork, we say will help them with manpower and half of costs as long as they make it about the city of Columbus or the Crew or both; or if it's a really cool piece of art, just tell them to make it mostly yellow and black (then we make a railing banner to go with it or something).

There are some artsy types and art galleries on High Street.

That could be an efficient way to make a crowd banner for once that covers the entire Nordecke. We have had good attempts in the past but just haven't had the money or time to make one that covers the whole section or half of the section. So, you put our time and money as supporters groups and combine it with the time and money of Craig Anthony Miller's collective or a similiar collective of artists in Columbus and we have a beautiful, ultra banner to start the 2012 season off with.

1/2/2012: Crewture Back Daily in 2012

2012-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

Crewture Editor Ryan Kozlowski (above) has spent the last two years saving trees.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

Sometimes in life you get a little sidetracked, other opportunities show up, you get frustrated, shift your focus, or lose motivation. Probably a combination of that, along with an internship with Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. in 2010, started to take away my time from making Crewture an interesting website to visit.

But, I want to bring it back, and will try my best to put an interesting story up daily in 2012. There is no competition or better ideas anymore, there will be no more crying on my soapbox.. There are many other great Crew websites that have filled the void since Crewture's downtick, such as Massive Report and Crew Xtra-Not-so-Xtra, and I'm much the outsider since 2010.

Not sure how many games I'll get to in 2012 and how many banners I'll make, ran into some personal problems that makes it impossible for me to be some sort of leader. Crewture just was a part of the magical 2008 season and it's a part of Crew fan history, along with much else, and want to keep it going for many years to come.

Open to all insight on how to make it better. Open to some new writers.

Overall, no matter where I'm watching the games from in 2012 I'm going to try harder to make contact with different soccer types (fans, players, figures who lurk in the shadows) and get some interviews to make this interesting again, along with less copying of other websites.

Crew fans haven't always been politically correct. This never was a politically correct website. What Crewture is and hope will be is somewhere where people can be real. If I get an interview I want something that someone wouldn't usually say (Brian Dunseth gave me an interview sort of like that back in 2008), not what is fed cliche into a microphone after a game. I want writers with real thoughts and balls, who will not sugar coat everything. This is a man's game, the Nordecke is a badass section, we all should be able to take compliments along with constructive criticism.

In life there are tabloids, there's Jose Mourinho type coaches who say whatever they feel like saying, and there's real hard hitting journalism. I hope for a combination of the three with not too much of either.

Also got to thank a few comments similiar to this over the last year, which helps in the motivation to get Crewture back to where it was. So, thanks for the comments:

Crewfighter-

Hey man, you probably don't know who I am, but I used to follow your website almost religiously. All the things you did for the club were pretty sick, especially your numerous banners and two-sticks.

I can't remember what made you kinda stop, if it was the backlash you got for trying to start that Ultras group, or because you moved back to Pennsylvania. I just wanted to say that the Nordecke kinda needs someone with your passion again.

I mean, Rick makes a lot of stuff like always, and then there's probably a small group of less than 10 other people that make stuff. I've tried to do my part. I just completed my third two-stick and am working on my fourth. I'm hoping to get season tickets for next year and I just want the Nordecke to be as powerful as it used to be. Thinking about coming back at all?

Well were back.. Online at least.

1/2/2012: NAIA Players The Crew Should Give A Look- Exclusive Top 10 From NAIA 2011 Championship Week

2011-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

After going down in the early minutes of the final, Lindsey Wilson won it all at the 2011 NAIA Championship, going a perfect 25-0 and upsetting No. 1 at the time Hastings by a 3-2 scoreline. Here's a look at the individual players from the 2011 NAIA Championship tournament who might make a claim to be a part of an MLS squad in the future.

Had a crash course in NAIA soccer by spending a week from November 28th to December 5th in Orange Beach, Alabama play-by-play announcing and filming for the NAIA Championship's online internet stream. Saw all 15 games of the 2011 NAIA Championship and a lot of these players in 2, 3, or 4 highly competitive games in a five day period. Some players showed up everyday and really impressed, and other players who came in with big numbers didn't blow the scouts away and disappointed. My top ten players from the tournament, who the Columbus Crew scouts should give a camp invite or keep their eye on are listed below; And I'm sure some of these players are on the radar of the Crew as Brian Bliss was in Orange Beach, Alabama at least for the first day of the tournament. I definitely remember seeing him in the stands on day one. There were also D.C. United jackets, Toronto F.C. jackets, and Division I college scouts as well in the stands looking for transfers from what I saw on each day.

Another interesting note, former Crew player Ezra Hendrickson was in town on the final days of the tournament and was booked for another week in Alabama to scout NAIA players in the Tourbeau Sports Group NAIA Player Showcase the week following the tournament. Ezra was there relaying information to the Seattle Sounders and former Crew manager Sigi Schmid.

Former Crew aside, without further or do this is Crewture's Top Ten Players from NAIA's 2011 Championship Week. Yes, there may be some bigger players on the radar like DeShorn Brown. But, this is who impressed during tournament week.

#1- Francois "Paco" Navarro
William Carey University Crusaders- 16 goals, 7 assists in 2011
From: Paris, France
Review: Was the conduit that nearly every William Carey attack ran through during tournament week. Good with both feet, could switch to the left and right wing and had the freedom to take it down the middle as well. Excellent footwork, the ball almost sticks to Navarro's feet. Best footwork and debatedly footskills in the whole tournament.

Showed up every game and put William Carey on his shoulders at times to get them to their first NAIA Fab Four appearance in 10 years. Only time "Paco" was a little off was in the Semifinal when he put himself in two excellent opportunities to tie and then win the game against Hastings in the second half, and couldn't finish. Usually was as cold as a cucumber as far as nerves, looked so relaxed out there on the ball like he was on a Sunday stroll down the Champs-Élysées. But, possibly the third game in four days started to get Navarro a little mentally fatigued and off of his game.

But, a very exciting player to watch. Always looked forward to watching him and William Carey in this tournament. Always like a good underdog team, as nobody probably expected Carey to beat #3 Mobile and #4 Rio Grande to face off against Hastings in the Semifinal.

Francois Navarro Video- Just recently compiled, good look at his skills:

#2- Niall Crick
USAO- University of Science and Arts Drovers
From: Leith, Scotland
Review: Crick was just 3 assists away from breaking University of Science and Arts assist record after gaining an assist in USAO's win on day two of the tournament and a goal in a loss against Hastings on day three. The short in stature Crick played like a big man in a defensive midfield/midfield role clogging up the opposing midfield on Championship week and even giving Hastings difficulty at times when it came to controlling that area of the field in their Round of 8 matchup.

Crick, not a big talker, did his talking on the field. Very intelligent player. Excellent footwork, excellent passer, unselfish at setting up teammates, and had a hell of a goal in the closing minutes of USAO's tournament run. Very good central/defensive midfield player. Deserves a look, can set up oodles of goals, and at the end of his college career.

Niall Crick highlights:

#3- Samuel Asante
Lindsey Wilson College
Review: Speed kills and Samuel Asante has it. He also has good vision and skills. Everyone talks about Lebogang Moloto and Moloto won the MVP of the tournament for Lindsey Wilson, but Asante was their best player in my opinion.

Just showed up for the entire tournament, when Moloto it appeared took 15 minutes off at times. But, Moloto did come up big when Lindsey needed him and that's an important quality as well.

Surprisingly this is the only video on the senior Asante, all the other videos on youtube that popped up are of the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Samuel Asante. FYI, someone at Lindsey needs to make Lindsey Wilson's Asante a highlight tape because he impressed all of us in the play-by-play booth:

#4- Jordan Green
Hastings University- 21 goals, 7 assists in 2011 regular season, 3 more goals and an assist in tournament week
Review: Green has good height and size. But, the thing that impressed me most about the whole Hastings squad is their stamina. The strikers Jordan Green and Nate Polak and company could run for days. Great conditioning.

But, Green also has shifty footwork and good speed. Has it all really, could be a dynamic project forward for some MLS team.

Here's Green's power header in the final, shocking Lindsey Wilson in the first few minutes before Wilson would regroup and win the 2011 final 3-2:

#5- Chris Williams
Lindsey Wilson College- 2011 Championship Tournament Defensive MVP
Review: Williams formerly duoed in the backline with Joe Tait, who went on to play with the Dayton Dutch Lions and has now signed on with the Philadelphia Union of MLS. I believe that Williams has similiar ability, even though he's getting up there in his mid-20's. Strong, tough defender. Kind of unsporting at times, but tries to exact his will on opposing strikers.

Also, has the ability to score. Took Lindsey Wilson's free kicks, has a bazooka for a leg; as one of his free kicks was a game winner when Lindsey Wilson struggled in their opener of the tournament.

His central back partner Bouthelezi is no sloutch as well and could probably hold his own in MLS eventually.

#6- Nate Polak
Hastings University- 17 goals, 15 assists in 2011
Review: Polak and Green couldn't seem to find the net in their first game of the tournament, but later on you could see why the duo combined for almost 40 goals total during the regular season. Has a lot of the same capabilities described about as Green. Maybe a touch slower than Green, but smarter positionally and placing himself in the right positions on the field to attack the defense.

Also, more of a distrubutor. You could place this duo on a MLS team and they might eventually reproduce their goal rate if given a few years to learn the MLS game.

Surprisingly no video on Polak.

#7- Lebogang Moloto
Lindsey Wilson College
Review: Started off the tournament slow in the first game, and the first half of the second game. Sometimes would disappear for 15 minutes but came up big with big goals against Southern Poly and in the final against Hastings and that's what you need from a striker. Has a great nose for goal.

#8- Joel Theissen, as well as secondarily Brandon Tyler and Oliver Hewitt-Fisher
Rio Grande
Review: All three were excellent in Rio Grande's two games, as Rio Grande had the best outside backs in pushing up and joining the attack in this tournament. All three gave their opponents fits down the wings in their two games before succumbing eventually to a William Carey side that was on top of their game in that point of the tournament. Theissen especially impressed, the 26 year old with one senior cap in the A-League with Syndey F.C. and Australia U-23 experience, might be ready for a NASL side or the bottom end of a MLS roster for depth next year.

#9- Carl Goody
William Carey University
Review: Had to put a goalkeeper in the mix, and freshman phenom Carl Goody was the best at the NAIA Championship Tournament. The 6'4 keeper from Newmarket, England helped propel William Carey to the Fab Four, along with Navarro and a pair of excellent Brazilian midfielders. A player that once he becomes a junior or senior at William Carey should get a lot of recognition from MLS and NASL clubs.

#10- Scott Parkinson
University of Science and Arts Drovers- SAC Conference Defender of The Year
Review: Was injured in the second game but looked like the top defender in the first game and a half, and toughed it out to play for USAO in the second game, as the Drovers went down to Hastings. Along with Chris Williams, another strong UK defender that may have a future either here in MLS or NASL, or overseas in the English lower divisions.

Video of Scott Parkinson:

Other Notables:

Best Off The Bench- William Carey's Matheus Saroli- The freshman attacking midfielder came off the bench for three goals for William Carey, including two in 3 minutes against Rio Grande to propel William Carey to the Fab Four. A player to watch out for in the future along with Carey's other two Brazilian's Luis Trude and Jose Presti.

Most Disappointing Team: University of Mobile- A team everyone was talking about coming into the tournament as tournament hosts, who were crushed 3-nil by William Carey. Thanks for playing; apparently Mobile are not hard to deal with without their top MLS prospect Deshorn Brown.

Most Disappointing Performance: Rio Grande's Richard Isberner- Came in with a bevy of goals, 29 on the season, but the Brazilian looked like he was in Brazil as he barely got a touch and seemed lost in the cold November nights in Alabama. Rio Grande would of went a lot farther with Isberner scoring up top in this tournament.

Thing That's Stuck Into My Mind: Baker's fan chant, "I Believe! I Believe That! I Believe That We Will Win! I Believe That We Will Win." Which probably was the worst soccer chant in the history of soccer chants.

1/2/2012: The Day When Dilly Duka Fistpumped Me Off Of Facebook

2011-12-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

What one may call an impromtu interview

This was a few months ago.. But out of the blue, the Crew's attacking midfielder Dilly Duka decided to say whats up to me on the social network, facebook.

Apparently Dilly must of saw my website at some point, decided I was probably good at computers, and might be able to fix his webcam problem. But, when I couldn't fix Dilly's webcam problem he fistpumped (or rather blocked) me off of facebook. :-( Nooo!

I was sad for a moment; as thoughts of hanging with Dilly and some fine, New Jersey hotties in a hottub danced in my head. But, then I thought hey that's interesting for Crewture, I'll print screen it.

I do admit I was sort of longwinded and a tad annoying during the conversation.

Nevertheless, if Chad Marshall asked for advice on how to trim his rose bushes over facebook, the normal Crew fan would probably first crap themselves; After that embarrassment wore off, they would then say a prayer not to have their facebook freeze during this heaven-sent online conversation; Then they probably would collect themselves to try to give advice, as well as get their whole life story in there at the same time. An "I'm pretty awesome too, honest" moment when the other person knows your probably not.

You especially got to talk yourself up if your a sport management major who's hoping to eventually land some sort of soccer job; As you never know what sort of connection can get things moving, a soccer player might have a camp and there might be someone at the camp and blah, da-blah you got a job (that's sort of how I got involved in the NAIA Championship).

No hard feelings to Duka, was a player I liked when everyone was down on him in the rookie season and I'm still a fan of his play and female posse. Further, I only get mad when hot babes delete me from facebook for stalking them (that was a joke), just found the conversation rather amusing.

ok playing it cool, playing it cool; deep breaths bro good work

ok just stop there ryan

starting to get diaherrea of the mouth, but might still be able to save yourself.

I'm dilly duka, I play in MLS, I don't give a fart about your high school soccer formations. Let's talk about girls. Ok fair enough, I got this.

London, Oxford, oh yeah Ryan you forgot to name drop mother's basement.

Webcam? Well that's an odd direction but could make a better story.

Just you know talking to the cousins back in jersey.

Don't know anything about webcams surprisingly, time to make up some bullshit.

FAIL, your deleted, no hottub for you.

Way to play that one like an over-excited spazz Ryan.

"I know the Jersey Scene pretty good."

I bet you do, Dilly, I bet you do.

Oh why couldn't I just play it cool. Wanted Montville to love me to. :-(

7/3/2011: Former Crew Legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto's Last Days On The Pitch, Or Were They? (Video Diary)

2011-07-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

Schelotto returns to Columbus on July 10th to work on his new Schelotto & Padula independent academy, hopefully there is something Crew-related going on during Schelotto's return next week (Pic By: Sam Fahmi).

Crew legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto teared up (below) at the end of his "expected" final game before retiring from professional soccer on June 30th, 2011.

Schelotto a legend wherever he went (Gimnasia, Boca Juniors, Columbus Crew) ended his career where it began with Gimnasia. Schelotto and the Gimnasia's fans emotion was overflowing (in the above video) partly because it was Schelotto's last game and partly because of the result; as Gimnasia's 1-1 tie in a playoff for promotion against San Martin on Wednesday was not enough for them to stay in the Argentina Primera.

Gimnasia will play second division, Argentinian soccer next season for the first time in 30 years. Schelotto is the type to be much more disappointed about failing to achieve a goal, in this case sucessfully helping Gimnasia avoid relegation, then focusing on his last game.

However, despite missing out on their goal of staying in the Argentina Primera. Guillermo's club Gimnasia fought hard at the end of the season to give themselves a chance of staying up in Argentina's Primera Division. As over the last few weeks, Gimnasia spanked Huracan 2-nil and followed that up by going 2 goals up on Boca Juniors out of the gate.

Guillermo scored that second goal on a penalty (the whole goal sequence begins at 3:56):

Guillermo had no qualms about celebrating against another former team (as Guillermo played for Boca Juniors from 1997-2007). That may have motivated Guillermo's former teammate Palermo and his teammates to steal a vital two points from Gimnasia (as Boca came back to tie the game 2-2); Those three points could have steered Gimnasia to safety from relegation.

Speaking of Palermo. Schelotto wished his fellow teammate at Boca Juniors (and Crew transfer rumor for years :-) Palermo luck as he leaves Boca as well (10:53), Schelotto also appears in the first minute of this video celebrating goals on many different occasions with Palermo:

And if you thought Schelotto's fairwell was extravagent and an emotional tearjerker, they really know how to say goodbye to a player at Boca Juniors

What's next for Schelotto? Well back to his second home (or as I like to call it first home :-), Columbus. As Schelotto expects to return right away on July 10th to Columbus, Ohio to work on his new Schelotto & Padula Academy.

Maybe while he's in town someone can convince Guillermo to sign a one game contract for a testimonial fairwell. Or a half season contract, since he's been doing a lot of half-season mercinary-like work as of late :-). Or some sort of coaching position. Or at least a chance to do a lap around the field to cheer one more time with all the Crew fans (a chance Guillermo never really got before to say goodbye).

Knowing the Crew they'll probably blow the second opportunity to keep Schelotto around, just like they did the first.

7/1/2011: The Crew Puts Premium On Messing Up In U.S. Open Cup

2011-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Matthew Delicate slammed home the heading winner in the 85th minute against the Crew on Tuesday, to give his third-division Richmond a 2-1 win at Crew Stadium, knocking the Crew out of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Columbus Crew front office contends they put a premium on the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, named after their late owner.

If that was the case, then there would be a premium lineup contending in the game. Right?

Crew Lineup for 2-1 loss against Richmond~ GK Gruenebaum; D Veeder (Iro 88th), Gehrig, Burns, O’Rourke; MF Prim (Heinemann 59th), Grossman, Rusmir, Rogers (Anor 87th); F Meram, Cunningham.

Grossman, Veeder, Rusmir, Gehrig, Prim, and Burns have barely seen a field all year. O'Rourke and Gruenebaum haven't seen a field all year due to injury. So, what did Head Coach Robert Warzycha expect? Apparently a resounding win.

"They have to wear this crest," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said of his team
afterward, pointing to the Crew logo on his shirt. "I don't think they know
that. I am so disappointed. So disappointed."

I'm really not. It isn't much of a stretch to expect Richmond's players, who've been playing all year and doing well (won their first two Open Cup contests by 8-2 margin, second place in USL-Pro), to play better than a lot of untested guys that may not even be USL-Pro capable (Veeder, Prim, Gehrig, Grossman, etc.).

But, let's not fib coaching staff, front office; you can't really be disappointed about something you didn't put a premium on. Well, you can be disappointed but only mildly since you're more than likely partly to blame for the result.

I definitely commend Warzycha for the last two league wins, the team looked much better. But, wouldn't you want to keep that going by at least fielding half-starters on Tuesday, grabbing a early lead, and subbing out the most valuable from there. Nothing kills momentum and fan praise from two league wins better than an extremely early exit from the U.S. Open Cup at home against a third division club (that's like Chelsea losing to Milton Keys Dons in the League Cup); and it's sad because Warzycha almost sets himself up to fail and you can see it coming from a mile away.

Honestly, I would like to see Warzycha become more selfish with his selections, it's his job on the line in the next few years. Warzycha built a younger, faster club this year which, although it wasn't the key point, could hopefully deal better with fixture congestion. So, I don't see why for one week, early-20 something guys like Anor, Balchan, Gaven, etc. couldn't have a 45 minute run out against Richmond (even if it meant appearing in 3 games in 7 days).

A few starters could have made the difference and Warzycha's club could still be alive to win another trophy and one of only two Champions League birth's still available this year; as there is no way the Crew are catching up with the Galaxy and the rest of the West this season for the Supporters Shield birth, only way back in the Champions League this year for the Crew now is by winning the MLS Cup.

But, it appears by Tuesday's lineup selection, the coaching staff were playing the "what if so and so gets injured in this Open Cup" game (which is the way injuries happen anyways, when you overthink preventing them). Now Warzycha gets to do the "what if I played a few starters for the first half and I was still alive for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup", which just happens to be named after our late owner and something the Crew apparently put a 'premium' on.

Fans want trophies and any silverware helps. So, yeah Warzycha's starting eleven has played better as of late. But, in my opinion, if I was the coach I wouldn't turn around and play a lineup like that against a third division club so I could lose to them at home and disqualify myself from my best chance to win a trophy (and a Champions League birth). Just isn't smart, if I was trying to impress the fans and ownership by all the silverware I won.

Blame Robbie Rogers fitness from being with the national team (sure Rogers should be fit, but is he motivated after not playing in the Gold Cup and coming back to play against third division Richmond in front of 1,000 fans at Crew Stadium, for a side he's disillusioned with anyways and has asked for a trade away from earlier in the season). Sure blame the whole lineup for Tuesday saying they didn't play for the crest? When that was the first competitive game for Gehrig, Veeder, and Prim (what do you expect, for them to ball out against Delicate and a good Richmond side with 15 games under their belt this season). Or blame O'Rourke and Greunebaum and expect them to have great games after returning from injury and haven't seen a game since last year. Or blame Rusmir who was a total waste of a signing but your coaching staff signed him. Or blame Cunningham, who as the second leading goalscorer in MLS history was never going to be motivated to play well as a reserve player and a super sub.

The only people I blame is the front office and the coaching staff for not putting any premium on this game. Could have at least sprinkled in a few players in a good frame of mind. Mendoza, Gaven, Anor, Balchan to at least give Tuesday's "Bad News Bears" side a chance. I don't expect a big premium to be set on these games, especially early on, but at least give your side a chance to win.

6/28/2011: Preview- Crew Open Up, U.S. Open Cup Action Against Richmond Kickers Tonight

2011-06-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Richmond Kickers defeated the Dutch Lions 4-1 in the U.S. Open Cup first round (above) and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds by a 4-1 scoreline, as well, in the second round to get to tonight's third round showdown (picture by Jacq Roos).

The Richmond Kickers had a rather pedestrian route to the 3rd round of tonight's U.S. Open Cup matchup against the Columbus Crew. The Kickers destroyed both the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (in the 2nd round) and the Dayton Dutch Lions (in the first round) by 4-1 scores to set themselves up with another U.S. Open Cup matchup against the Columbus Crew tonight.

The Kickers overall 8-2 route should give them momentum coming into this third round, but both results were against USL-Pro bottom feeders; as the Kickers have 24 points on the USL campaign compared to the Riverhounds 12 and the Dutch Lions 5 points. Further, the Dutch Lions (which could go with the nickname "USL-Pro Whipping Boys") have just one win in twelve games on the season. In contrast, the Kickers will find it much harder to duplicate a similiar result against another Ohio foe, as the Crew are on a good run of form in a superior league.

Richmond hasn't had much success against the Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup history either. The Crew started out their championship winning Open Cup campaign in 2002 by defeating Richmond 3-nil. Also, in the Crew's U.S. Open Cup run last season to the final against Seattle, the Crew dispatched two USL opponents (similiar to Richmond's ability) with ease, with a team full of reserves.

In similiarity, tonight is expected to be a team full of reserves. As the Crew are expected to trot out a lineup of:
-------------Gruenebaum--------
Veeder, Gehrig, Burns, O'Rourke
Rogers, Grossman, Rusmir, Meram
------Cunningham--Horton-------

The lineup should be capable enough as O'Rourke is a starter when he is healthy; Rogers was a starter until he fell out of favor as of late; Cunningham is still capable; and Rusmir, Meram, and Grossman have seen starting time.

This makeshift lineup will compete with one of the more talented teams in the USL. To be successful, the Crew will have to shutdown Richmond's player to watch out for, Matthew Delicate, who has 7 goals and 3 assists for the Kickers in 12 games this season.

Another name looking to make an impact is a familiar one in Stanley Nyazamba (2 goals and 2 assists in 2011 for the Kickers). Nyazamba was a member of the Crew in 2008 and 2009, but had problems off the field during his time in Columbus and never saw a minute of starting time at Crew Stadium. Nyazamba will finally see the field today and he will likely have a score to settle.

Expected scoreline: 2-nil Crew, goals by Meram and Cunningham

6/28/2011: New Faces Step Up For The Crew During Latest Winning Streak

2011-06-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

New faces have stepped up for the Crew in their last two victories over the Colorado Rapids (4-1) and Houston Dynamo (2-0). Venezuelan U-20 player Bernardo Anor (picked deep in the 2011 draft- 3rd round, 48th pick) posted a goal and an assist in the 2-0 victory against Houston on June 18th. Anor backed that up with another solid 90 minutes against the Colorado Rapids on June 26th.

Anor Spotlight: Perfect assist for Mendoza's goal against Houston

Justin Meram, the highly touted University of Michigan product; who didn't particularly show much in his early appearances this season, showed his blistering pace in that same Houston game by blowing by the Houston defense and setting up Anor's goal in the Houston contest to finish off the Dynamo. The zero to sixty change in pace seen in Meram's assist, was similiar to some of his goals in the Big Ten, a skill that Crew fans appreciated in the youngster. As of late, Meram has set himself up nicely as a late impact, speed option off of the bench.

Meram Spotlight: Acceleration catches Dynamo defense off guard, leads to Anor's goal

Tommy Heinemann, who played for the third division Charleston Battery and second division Carolina Railhawks last season, has surprised everyone by being the favored option up top with Andres Mendoza as of late (most would of expected the more experienced Renteria or Cunningham to be in that position instead). The strong, tall Heinemann repaid Warzycha's faith in him with an insurance goal against the Rapids on June 26th. The goal should help Heinemann's confidence; and the 3 goals between the striker duo of Heinemann and Mendoza on Sunday against the Rapids makes it likely that the two will team up once again against Dallas on July 2nd.

Heinemann Spotlight: Late goal gets Heinemann on the scoresheet

The emergence of these three and Mendoza's uptick in performances as of late has the Crew back in the hunt for the top spot in the Eastern conference.

6/27/2011: Nordecke Moves For A Game, May Create Spark For Supporters

2011-06-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Lately the Nordecke has been suffering from some dullness (the clinical term for 2011 could be described as "Schelotto post-pardem depression"). The section that was jam packed has become half full, chants are less audible, section tifo displays have been pretty non-existant.. Most of all security has stifled anything slightly interesting from happening in the section since early 2009.

That is until last night, as halfway through celebrating a resounding 4-1 win over the Rapids, the Nordecke migrated to the upper north-corner in solidarity with latino group La Turbina and their drums (which are about the only thing you can still hear on a telecast).

Why did La Turbina move again? And why did everyone follow? From what I have purveyed from the forums, the story isn't the most fascinating ever. Here's my best shot in the quickest, non-waste of your time, synopsis form..

Apparently, a guy that will just call Herbert, to avoid the rath of Herbert's spokesperson confidant/soccer forum attorney, couldn't stand somewhere because security labeled the area a fire hazard.. But, La Turbina and their drums were allowed to stand there soon after. Herbert was nonplused and demanded an answer from security, La Turbina (instead of dealing with security) said whatever and moved to the upper stands and most of the Nordecke followed.

Now according to Herbert's friend, this whole stituation has:

"discredited [Herbert], as he is a wonderful person, and friend to anyone, but its
not a matter for the whole stadium. He has not even seen the article just knows
parts of it. When he sees it he will decide what to do next. and it will not be
for everyones entertainment. It will be for the truth of someone who has
supported the team just like the rest of you."
Umm..

Well, while Herbert plans his next move, and we all await in titilating expectation.. I'll just take a moment to thank Herbert. You my friend sparked the supporters to at least do something together, in unison.

And from what I have heard the supporters were more together, after the move, and chanted at their greatest decibels- since changes have shrunk the Nordecke in early 2009.

So, instead of berating Herbert. We should all be thanking him because hey at least something noteworthy not only happened on the field but also in the stands. Both the team and the Nordecke at least showed last night that we still have a heartbeat and Columbus is still kicking.

**On a sidenote, the only downpart of not having a full Nordecke, in it's usual spot, is that Mendoza had no supporters to really celebrate with when he finally scored a nice goal from a solid effort:

5/25/2011: Good Support Is Less Political Bickering, More Of Following One Logical Standpoint

2011-05-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

We Are! Minute!: Not very massive six rows deep as of late.

Apparently in 2011 the Nordeckehas lost it's punch. Myself, who was so invested in the whole Nordecke thing (hell I even suggested the Nordecke name), saw the writing on the wall and believed the Nordecke was beginning to lose it's punch in the second half of 2009.

The Nordecke was becoming less rambunctious, passionate, creative, and less volatile (becoming less volatile was possibly the only good change that occurred from the FO stepping in after the KC game stoppage and other events in early 2009). The Nordecke was also much more concerned with what the FO thought about every supporter issue (swearing getting out of control, YSA chant, etc.).. Which was fine, the north corner that we call home is the front offices property (tell that to ultras groups in Poland or Italy), but I understand were in America and some behavior was unnecessary. On the other hand, in the process of getting rid of the unnecessary behavior, some of the harmless support and passion was stamped out unintentionally in the process.

In late 2008 and early 2009, when the front office started laying down their foot, it was part necessary and part the fault of the supporters group leaders for not doing it themselves in a way that would have maybe curtailed some of the stamping. In the process some of the changes took away what made the Nordecke a success, and well interesting and appealing.

Eventually, the front office posted rules in front of every supporters entrance. That wasn't a big issue (as most of the rules concerned legitimate issues like throwing objects on the field and racial, ethnic, or religious-slanted language). But, then after the KC game in early 2009, the front office took the advice of the SG(supporter group) leaders that the issues were coming from outsiders migrating to the section. So, logically if this was true, the front office needed to shut down access to the Nordecke for anyone who didn't have a season ticket or single game ticket in the Nordecke.

And they did.. Which shutdown the second half migration where the Nordecke grew as the game went on.

This Nordecke Lockdown didn't make sense for a number of reasons:
1.) An outsider could still purchase a single game ticket in the Nordecke and cause a racial and smoke bomb throwing ruckus.
2.) Outsiders and migrating fans from the family-orientated seats are usually more passive in their support in comparison to Nordecke regulars. Therefore, these outsiders were usually migrating over, as a response to the passion in the section, and to get a taste for the section to see if this passionate way of supporting was for them.

So, by recommending to prevent these potential Nordecke supporters from migrating over, in the most mind numbing way, the SG leaders were messing up the growing surge of potential Nordecke supporters by failing to place blame on the Nordecke.

As a result, it comes as no shock to me that our numbers have been down ever since or that there's less electricity/magic in the corner.
3.) Finally, the diehard Nordecke supporter from 2008-early 2009 was responsible for any issue in the section at that time. It made no sense that an outsider, probably at their first or second Crew game, would have enough of an emotional connection to the club to throw a smoke bomb or beer cup on the field, yell a racial slur, throw a handful of streamers, or fight a bunch of West Ham United fans. Or try to stop a corner kick as in the KC game. Or start a You Suck Asshole chant. The list goes on.

An outsider just isn't emotionally invested enough in the team to cause that much trouble and put themselves on the line or get that pissed about the other team scoring or taking a corner kick.

Sure, a newbie trying to impress others in the corner may have been responsible for taking part or starting some of these issues. But, I find it unlikely that the blocking of migrating fans curtailed all or any of the issues caused by possible new "troublemakers" or season ticket holding, Nordecke mainstay "troublemakers.." Instead, I think increased security, increased SG self-policing, and increased persecution from police for smoke bomb throwing caused a more-subdued, less volatile Nordecke.

Nevertheless, unintentionally, the only result of making the Nordecke a non-open seating section was that it curtailed some of the passion at games and the continual growth of the section.

Now that we got that little nugget of an issue out of the way, let's go to issue number two:

First off I agree with LaMacchia's point number one, especially the bolded-

1 – The Nordecke is not a free-for-all party, it's a rally to support The Crew. That's all. There are a lot of people this year saying that the Nordecke, and therefore Crew Stadium, has lost it's punch. A large part of the reason people are saying this is because it has become about individuals, or groups of individuals, and not about the Crew. No good. I've heard from many people – some from outside Columbus – that the Nordecke has become a laughing stock. Is that what you want? Is that what you're buddy with the vuvuzela wants?

It's always been half about individuals and half about supporting the Crew. Let's face it.

It's the most logical reason for getting involved in a supporters group for a soccer club no matter if your on this side of the ocean or in Europe. Some individuals just never get noticed in real life, so they try to become a big deal by becoming a supporters group leader.

I had this problem a bit back in 2008.. My dad passed away, we lost our house, I felt a bit downgraded by society so tried to make myself a big deal elsewhere.

I pushed the envelope by throwing countless loan bucks into banners and etc.. And this leads me to another problem with the Nordecke.

7 – Make a banner, or two-stick, or flag. I can honestly say I've never done this, and I regret it every gameday. Have you seen Section 8 in Chicago? Or The Cauldron in KC? Or the Sons of Ben in Philly? You can do that, you have done that, you should do it more

The Nordecke has a problem with lazyiness.. Always had one. If it had half the focus of the Timbers Army or ECS on banners and etc., instead of getting drunk and acting like a lame ass fool we would be 10 times as good as 2008.

Everyone wants to say make a banner. But, is anyone willing to pick up a brush or coordinate anything. No. Do they wish to criticize or tell someone who does pick up a brush and throw a couple bills at the project what to do. Yes.

This has always been a main problem with the Nordecke.. Everyone has a point of view, no one wants to take action to prove their point of view correct.

And more importantly, there's too many leaders not enough followers. It's always been this way. We need more yes men, that will shutup and follow a capo. We got too many people who are like look at me.

Well trust me, I've had this website. I've been in the papers a little before (Toronto Sun, Norweigan soccer mag, 614 Magazine). But, there is no fame or glam or money that comes out of being a soccer hooligan. So, just shutup.. Follow a capo with a megaphone.. Everyone put in 2 or 3 bucks for a crowd display that fills the whole Nordecke area.. And will command so much more respect.

4/23/2011: Can We Return A "Rival"?

2011-04-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

TFC & Their Fans Are Like The Last Person Picked In Dodgeball.. Unathletic, uninspired, lazy (like Colin Samuel on a PK follow up), and hopeless. The lead up to this game looks even less promising for TFC than in years past.

Just take a look at all the things not in TFC's favor:
*11 games against the Crew and no wins for TFC.
*A new lineup reshuffle for TFC in their ten year plan with no players I recognize: who the hell is Yourassowsky, Eckersley (the newest panic stopgap failure from Europe), and Martina?
*No DeRo, no Carl Robinson, no Dichio.. Just a bunch of crap players.
*Alan Gordon is spearheading their attack?
*And our defense hasn't given up a goal in four games..

Put that all together and it's looking like a 2-0 win at least for the Crew. Yawn, and back to Columbus.

Or how Jim Brennan, the guy who retired two games into the season for TFC after losing to Columbus, says "that craphole" with this dramatic piece of acting:

Yeah that was intense.

But, what can you expect from a guy that dresses up like a ballerina in his free time and from a class organization such as Toronto F.C.

And what can you expect from scholarly TFC fans, who show their class that comes from living in utopian Toronto:

4/19/2011: Crewture.TV- Crew Ultras Artwork

2011-04-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

4/19/2011: Former San Lorenzo Player Prim May Be Attacking Midfield Answer

2011-04-19T01:27:00.000-07:00

The Crew's defense has gelled leading to four consecutive shutouts on the trot. Now the Crew midfield is starting to gel with both Robbie Rogers and Dilly Duka picking up their games. The only missing puzzle piece is an attack that works, both in strikers who can score and an attacking midfielder who can feed these strikers.

The Crew have tried to transition Emmanuel Ekpo into this attacking midfield position with limited success at best. The Crew have also tried Dejan Rusmir, a Serbian player with good success as an attacking midfielder in the Romanian top flight, again with limited success. So, now the Crew has to go back to the drawing board at the attacking midfield position.

The Crew's new solution is a preseason trialist in Santiago Prim, who the Crew apparently wanted to sign but Prim was still under contract with Argentinian Primera side San Lorenzo at that time.

Well, fortunes have changed for the Crew, as according to the Columbus Dispatch Prim is now a free agent and will rejoin the Crew on Wednesday.

The only question, with Prim likely to be signed, is who will be cut to make room for Prim? Will it be a lesser known commodity such as Riggs or Heinemann? Or will it be a straight swap for Rusmir? Or has patience finally run out on Ekpo and will he be the one to get the axe?

I find it unlikely to be Emmanuel Ekpo, as "Manu" still has trade value and could still be successful this year on our right side (where he is much more comfortable and a better player). But, the rest are probably unlikely to make an impact for Columbus this season and, along with a few other faces, may be worried if called to Warzycha's office this Wednesday.

Nevertheless, on a brighter note, hopefully Prim can be the missing piece in that attacking midfield role. And, hopefully either Renteria, Mendoza, or Cunningham can start to step up to make that striker role theirs.

4/19/2011: 6 Thoughts After A Step Back From The Game

2011-04-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Crew not so bad, but still have a lot to prove.

You may be asking, "where the hell has Crewture been?" I took an unexpected month hiatus from writing on here since I was in limbo on whether to take a job with the Dayton Dutch Lions again. Wanted the experience, the salary "ehh no comment." Despite the hiatus, I still took a look at all of the games and here are some of my disconnected thoughts on the season so far. I'll only be writing on the Crew from here on in, so weekly articles should be rolling in once again and I'm looking to clear the 30th at work to take the trip to the home Whitecaps game. So, without further or do..

Crewfighter's 6 Disconnected Thoughts On The Crew's 2011 Season So Far

1. They're Better Than We Thought They Were (So Far).. Despite not being exactly exciting offensively, the new look Crew is getting it done defensively. Since a shelling in the season opener away against D.C. United, the Crew has four clean sheets thanks to the (so far) excellent additions of Balchan and Miranda. Both have been younger, faster, and smarter in 2011 (so far) than Hejduk and Padula were on the defensive wings in 2010. And, have been able to (so far) gel with Marshall and the rest of the established defense.

This Iron Curtain has culminated into a start that can be taken as pleasantly surprising (so far) for Crew fans.. Especially after the initial freak out! fest in the first few weeks of the season (myself included), based on dooldrum performances for the Crew away at RSL in the Champions League, as well as in the season opener at D.C. United, and leading to an explosively bland home opening draw; With those results in mind, I bet most Crew fans were expecting the Canaries (so far) to be 0-5 at this point instead of tied for second..

Yes, were tied for second.. Who knew? Considering the Crew haven't played dominating soccer at all yet in 2011.

Nevertheless, currently the Crew are on track to safely be a playoff contender, especially if the offense starts to gel like the defense has (so far) in 2011.

2. Is Robbie Rogers Manning Up?

After riding the pine in the season opener at D.C. United, Robbie Rogers whined on twitter stating that he "requested a trade" and was apparently even kind enough to point out which teams he would love to be traded to.. Some sources say the request was actually made in crayon.

But, after Rogers got over his tears (for frankly being benched once for two and a half years of ineffectiveness) it appears to have been the shot in the arm that has rejuvinated the previously talented and highly-touted prospect. And even though the Crew attack may only have four goals in five games- Rogers has two of them, including Saturday's deft touch winner.

Rogers two goals in five games in 2011, matches his regular season goal scoring total from 42 regular season games in 2009 and 2010. Production no one, including Rogers, could consider scintillating or unbenchable.

Rogers turn around has calmed him down a bit. As Rogers has apoligized and stated he's fine with staying with the Crew for the rest of 2011 but looks to head to Europe in 2012. Nevertheless, Rogers needs to keep up his current fine form to turn some heads in Europe. So, hopefully he continues to be focused and continues to man up for the Crew.

Image: Sam Fahmi/Massive Report

Either way, it was nice to see Robbie come celebrate with some of his critics in the Nordecke after his winning goal on Saturday.. If he keeps scoring in 2011 he'll have a lot of pals in that corner, who may just wish for a 2012 encore.

3. Attendance or lack thereof In three home games the Crew's attendance is an average of 10,850.. With the 14,549 attendance for the F.C. Dallas game likely highly inflated, with 5,000 of those fans morphed into yellow chairs. A 10,850 average attendance so far is only likely beating out San Jose (because they only have 10,000 seats) and Kansas City because their new stadium hasn't been finished yet and thus no home games for fans to go to.

Sure there has been bad weather but that doesn't keep Portland Timbers fans away.

And some Crew fans ponder "why can't we have an atmosphere like that every day in our stadium?" And it's because your Portland's and your Seattle's, even your Toronto's (although they're looking a bit sparser this year too) spend money on marketing to make money on ticket sells. HSG appears terrified to spend a buck on selling this team to Columbus, which has to make the Crew's General Manager Mark McCullers job of filling the stadium rough (even with a comfy new four year extension).

And hell even teams in markets that have struggled, like FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids, both already have a sell out under their belts in 2011.

The Crew, despite not being terrible in 2011 so far, haven't helped themselves either by shipping off the identity of the club in the likes of Schelotto and Hejduk. Also, the Crew didn't sign a star replacement and the new no names, along with a faltering Cunningham, just haven't been enough capitivating star power to bring in random fans in bad weather. I don't see how anyone could be shocked by this, sure the Crew might of made these moves to make the team better, but those moves were not made to help attendance.

Even the Nordecke, usually packed no matter, looked as if half of the diehards took the night off in the rainy weather against KC where only 7,396 came out (above picture).

4. Duka Stepping Up Dilly Duka had a good second half on Saturday and Warzycha is putting faith in the youngster saying that "he deserves the minutes." Well, Duka proved that on Saturday by providing a nice assist on Robbie Rogers goal and being very active in the midfield.

If Duka can continue to contribute that should help stabilize the midfield if Rogers and Gaven continue to play well. Now all the Crew needs is someone to step up on the forward line and start scoring goals at a clip, and the Crew might be onto something in 2011.

Well that's not all the Crew needs, which takes us to number 5.)

5.) Prim to Replace Ekpo In The Attacking Mid Slot?

It's been no secret that the Crew has had a problem in replacing Schelotto in that creative, attacking midfield slot. And it's also been no secret that Ekpo hasn't done a good job in that attacking midfield slot. Well, here enters Santiago Prim who is now a free agent from San Lorenzo in Argentina and apparently back in Columbus.

If Prim is the answer in attacking midfield, when Ekpo and Rusmir have not been, it could be a big missing piece to the Crew's puzzle in 2011.. And since the Crew have seen Prim before in their preseason hopefully they're right.

But, has to make you wonder who will be let go (since all roster spots are currently filled)? Don't see it being Ekpo since he has trade value. Someone such as Riggs, Heinemann, or even Rusmir would make more sense.

6.) Four Shutouts Is Great And A Step In The Right Direction But.. The Crew has yet to do anything significant in 2011.. They got a long way to go yet to prove themselves.. And another first round playoff exit and a mediocre season will still be seen as a disappointment by most Crew fans, as that wasn't a step in the right direction compared to 2010. So, yeah there has been some positives in the last few games, but the Crew still got a long way to go yet to prove the naysayers wrong..

3/20/2011: Columbus Until I Die. The Forgotten Slogan As Of Late.

2011-03-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

After watching the away opener to start the season, I hope this guy who posted a comment on
The Columbus Dispatch isn't right:

From Gilley:

Trust me Bobby - it's gonna get a lot worse.

I think I figured it out tonight - Crew mgmt has given up, they're just going thru the motions, marking time, punching the clock, and have freed themselves from
ambition.

Tonight reminded me of one of those times in the EPL when a
manager gets threatened w/ a charge of improper conduct for fielding a weak
team. It usually happens to small teams, with small squads who can't cope w/
fixture congestion. Bliss and McC couldn't possibly expect this side to compete
in MLS, so I assume that competing in MLS was not their goal.

I think they figured out that, even if they win MLS cup and/or supporters shield,
there's no riches or respect coming their way. In this market, with this
stadium, in that location there's no victory for them to enjoy, because
there's no suitable prize on offer. So like businessmen, they decided to
produce a barely passable product, with a level of quality just barely
sufficient to squeeze the blood from their Columbus turnip.

The Crew has become the Devil Rays of MLS - no ambition except to just open the store every day. They've dropped off the civic radar, and I'm told by political
insiders that they're not even maintaining minimal relationships with
political or local business partners.

I think one path to opportunity is a stadium in a social
location where you can have dinner before the match, and a drink after. Crew
management seemed to share that view in the past, but I'm told that they've
totally checked out of the civic relationships that could help make this, or
anything else, happen.

The Hunts are gonna just barely keep the wheels on this jalopy until
MLS demands the keys, and repo's the franchise. There's no
upward mobility available to the Crew regardless of on-field performance, so
they decided to stop chasing it.

I was all set to go to home matches for the love of
the game, without any expectation of Crew success. But now, to my
horror, I've realized that on many nights this year they'll probably be unable
to even make it an interesting match.

My first reaction is freak out much? But, since Sigi Schmid jumped ship for the Seattle Sounders I can't help but notice that even when I'm optimistic the Crew has bungled every chance in the past few years.

1.) The 2009 Playoffs (First Round Exit)
2.) The 2010 Playoffs (First Round Exit)
3.) 2010 Supporters Shield
4.) 2010 U.S. Open Cup
5.) Not taking Champions League serious this offseason.. Watching RSL, they took it as a big opportunity, I didn't get the same from Warzycha's comments.
6.) No killer ambition to win Champions League group with a real chance of doing so last season.
7.) No ambition to sign any real big names this offseason despite having the cap space. Relying instead on no names such as Rusmir to fill the gap.

And here we are. We went from losing big games to making moves to take ourselves completely out of competition to be involved in big games. Honestly, I expected us to lose deep down against RSL. I expected us to drop this home opener.

Let's be honest 2008 couldn't last forever. But, god I just want some fight and belief from management, the players, and even the fans. Yes, the fans whine and complain, but management, when you ask for "patience from the fans" like Bliss asked in the Dispatch yesterday, maybe you would like to do your jobs first, before expecting any optimism from the fans.

Sorry, but it's honestly been a D+ plus effort at replacing Schelotto and company this offseason.. When you drop all of your big names, you better have an innovative plan B in the books. What we found out this offseason was that there wasn't a plan.

I just don't get what the hell is going on overall? It's like we reverted back to 2005-2006 in a snap of a finger.

Were Columbus! And we need to start acting like Columbus. Everyone is acting lately without any heart or soul. Where's the fight?

I'm just sick of the pessimistic cloud around this organization lately. The fans expect to lose, management makes excuses before the game and expects to lose, and the players look like they lost from the whistle.

No matter what happens to Columbus Crew, I'll never forget the year 2008.. My dad passed away that year and the Columbus Crew's championship run got my mind off of that. I'm eternally grateful for the Schelotto's and Hejduk's. The Schelotto's and Hejduk's who were ushered out. Labeled as now the problem, despite connecting on the third goal in the MLS Cup that sealed the deal in 2008. It was real winners, with real passion, at every level.

Where the hell has that gone? I want Columbus Until I Die back. I want passion back. I want players who play for the shirt, I want managers and staff who stay up 24/7 to make the big deals happen to take us to that next level, and I want the fans at the level they were in 2008/early 2009 when we made Crew Stadium formidable and a place no one else could win at.

We all have dropped off as of late and we all need to take a long look in the mirror and re-commit to Columbus Until I Die.

3/17/2011: Cunningham Is The Man, New Crewture Vid, & More

2011-03-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

"For some reason I have a reputation," said Cunningham, whose voice rises and native accent thickens when agitated. "But it's all good. I stopped caring what other people say. I know at the end of the day I can look my daughter in the eye and say, 'Baby, I did good. Your papa worked hard and he accomplished some good things.' "

I think I've done enough with the opportunities that I have been given. My
family is proud of me and that's all that really matters.

My mother is the only person that can say something that can put me in my place.
That's a woman of character right there. Jesus Christ and my mother, that's who
I answer to.

For me to have scored the first goal in the first soccer stadium in this
country is a great memory. Years from now, when I look back, that's something
I'll always carry with me. It was exciting. It still is. When I drive by that
stadium I reflect on the great times I had there. To come back and have the
opportunity to play there again is exciting. I'm really looking forward to
it.

Those were some of the quotes in Cunningham's recent article with The Columbus Dispatch, check the rest out here.

Crewture's Thoughts: I like Cunningham's attitude, he knows himself and he doesn't care about what others say about him, he just looks to do the business. Hopefully this leads to a few goals this year.

*************************************

Just a new video I made of supporter's pictures, music mixed up by me as well. Not the best Crew vid ever, just like to get those creative juices following with the season almost here.

Pictures of ultra artwork from the Columbus Crew's ultras in their supporter end in the Nordecke.

1. (Dj Reno Rhino Remix- Pursuit of Rihanna) Pursuit of Happiness- Kid Cudi ft. Steve Aoki vs. Rihanna- S & M
2. (Dj Reno Rhino Remix) Miami to Ibiza Like a G6 - Swedish House Mafia & Far East Movement vs. Loco pops- Bombfunk
3. The Last Episode- Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg (Reepr Bootleg)

******************************************

I'll have a preview of Saturday's game up tomorrow.

3/10/2011: Crew's Warzycha, Bliss Visit Israel, May Make Move In The Summer

2011-03-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Maccabi Haifa's Gustavo Boccoli (left) and Tomer Hemed (right) may be attacking options for the Crew in the Summer window.

The Crew's signing of Dejan Rusmir appears to suggest that the Crew are content to allow Rusmir, Ekpo, Gaven, and Duka take turns holding down that attacking midfield position behind Renteria and Mendoza.. Well, at least until the Summer time, when the Crew will get a chance to re-evaluate and possibly make a move for an Israeli league player.

As this past week, Crew manager Robert Warzycha and Technical Director Brian Bliss, were in Israel scouting attacking midfield players such as Maccabi Haifi's Gustavo Boccoli and Tomer Hemed, as well as Hapoel Acre FC's midfielder Maharan Radi.

Not much out there on Radi, but Boccoli and Hemed seem to be strong options.

Boccoli has over 200 caps with Maccabi Haifa alone since 2004, with nearly another 200 with other Israeli and Brazilian clubs. The 33 year old has been voted the best player in Israel before.

Tomer Hemed has scored 5 goals in his last 9 outings for Maccabi Haifa. The 23 year old's recent outings have gained the attention of the Isreali national team, Hemed has recently been called up for a friendly.

3/10/2011: Quick Thoughts On Champions League Disaster, Other Recent Crew News

2011-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

RSL flexed their muscles at home last week. The better team won and rightly so last week. The Crew were out of sorts during the whole first half, came out well for the first 20 minutes of the second half, and then the changes made by Robert Warzycha allowed RSL to retake the momentum.

I can't really tell you why the changes led to RSL's two second half goals; but I can say that when your team is down 2-nil, scores a goal to start the second half to bring themselves back into the game, and starts to play themselves into a game you don't make 3 changes because it has the possibility to change the momentum.

The Crew players who started to link up well in the second half, had to learn to link up well with three new faces, and it didn't work out well; In comparison, RSL who are all used to each other started to take the game over in front of a good crowd.

Stubbing your own toes. The Crew called game over on themselves in this series by playing better than RSL in the home leg but not scoring, and seeming perfectly content to not score and play to a 0-0 draw. Also, RSL finished that game with 9 men compared to the Crew's 10. This team, just like last year's, doesn't seem to have that killer's instinct to put a team away.

Also, chance after chance to win silverware in 2010 and now 2011 is wasted. Here goes another.

This Crew didn't seize the occasion to win the U.S. Open Cup last year and they didn't seize the occasion last week against Real Salt Lake. They lost a Supporters Shield they were running away with last Summer, and plummeted out of the playoffs in the first round for the second time in two years last October.

Losing the big games is just becoming an unhealthy habit for the Crew as of late. And a lack of distraughtness over it is particularly distressing.

No Ratings. I'm going to bypass on rating players for this game, because it would get ugly in a 4-1 loss.

In Other News, the RSL fans came out in numbers for their leg, while only the Nordecke came out in Columbus. Probably the overall reason MLS players rank Rio Tinto as a tougher place to play this week. Got to think overall that has to do with the altitude (with the Rapids also being ranked higher) than the fans.

3/10/2011: Crew Down Revs 3-1 In Preseason, Don't Count Heinemann Out Of Starting 11 Just Yet

2011-03-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

The Crew's big 6'4 striker, Tommy Heinemann, who terrorized the USL- scoring 13 goals last season with the Charleston Battery and Carolina Railhawks, made a statement against the New England Revolution yesterday not to count him out of the starting eleven this year.

Heinemann scored two goals in the Crew's 3-1 route against the Revs in the final round of preseason training in Kennisaw, Georgia. For a Crew team, who could only manage one goal in 180 minutes against Real Salt Lake (25 of those minutes against a 9 man RSL) anyone with a hot foot could find themselves up top in the starting eleven.

With Cunningham and Mendoza making all the headlines, but not being overly impressive in their two outings, Heinemann at least made a statement yesterday for Warzycha not to totally forget about the "Caveman."

Here's a couple clips of yesterday's game, Duka makes a good run here:

And the Crew's defense falls asleep on Ilija Stolica's Revs goal in the 62nd minute:

Probably the worst defensive effort I've seen in a while leading to a goal, some of these lapses on defense (also seen in the away leg against RSL) are a bit concerning.

3/10/2011: VIDEO-The Columbus Crew Experience Past & Present Videos

2011-03-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a clip on the Columbus Crew in their first season in 1996:

And here's a promotional clip for the Columbus Crew for the Crew's 15th season in 2011:

Glad to see the change with more of a focus on hardcore support in the corner with the Nordecke instead of little kids doing the macarana (as was seen on one part of that first video in 1996). Still the first video is very cool, like the beginning clip and find it funny to see Jay Crawford (now on ESPN) talking about falling in love with the Crew.

3/10/2011: Crew Sign Dejan Rusmir

2011-03-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

Serbian attacking midfielder Dejan Rusmir (working out above before the RSL home game earlier this season) was officially signed yesterday by the Columbus Crew. Rusmir, 31, has been with the Crew since late January. Rusmir may have the Crew midfield to thank for his signing, as the lackluster play at the attacking midfield position as of late has led to the Crew officially making the move for the Serbian playmaker.

Rusmir has some tricky playmaking ability (the following two videos are from his best days with Romanian Premier League club Ceahlaul from 2006-2008):

Rusmir's best years were from 2006 to 2009 with Romanian Premier League clubs Ceahlaul and Farul. In this past 2009-2010 season Rusmir had a bit of a falling out with Farul, as the club was relegated and Rusmir only made 10 appearances for the club in the Romanian second division this past season.

That led to Rusmir's move stateside. Rusmir is a good passer who sees the field nicely. Rusmir could be considered possibly as a poor man's, Eastern European (taller) version of Schelotto in that respect.

The main concern is that at 31, Rusmir has just 102 professional appearances to his name. The Crew's Eddie Gaven at 24 has double that number with 207 professional appearances.

Considering Rusmir's career and his above videos, do you see him making a positive impact on the Crew's 2011 lineup? Vote in the poll to the right.

3/1/2011: Nordecke Featured In 614 Magazine

2011-03-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Columbus Crew's "Nordecke" supporters section was recently featured in 614 Magazine. 614 Magazine is a hip, trendy magazine that covers different stories throughout the city of Columbus and puts it together for a monthly magazine. The feature called "Cult of Crew" can be read here.

It's a good breakdown of the section for those unfamiliar with the "Nordecke" throughout the world or in Columbus.

3/1/2011: Preview- All Comes Down To Tonight In Second Leg Of Crew Vs. RSL

2011-03-01T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Crew will have to replace Emilio Renteria, facing a red card suspension, with Jeff Cunningham. However, the Crew should not expect too much of a drop off considering Cunningham's previous success in Salt Lake.

3/1/2011: Preview- All Comes Down To Tonight In Second Leg Of Crew Vs. RSL

The Columbus Crew surprised and delighted Crew fans in the first leg of this CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal by having the better play compared to a more stablized Real Salt Lake team; As Real Salt Lake was one of the strongest team's last season and only made one roster move this offseason compared to the Crew's 15 and counting roster moves.

Yet the first leg, last Tuesday in Columbus, still ended in a 0-0 tie. The Crew, still in preseason mode on the offensive side of the ball, couldn't capitalize on their more promising offensive forays and defense's stronger play. The inability to score last Tuesday at home, hopefully not a carryover from the 2010 season, puts the Crew in the underdog slot tonight away at RSL's Rio Tinto Stadium.

The underdog status intensifies when one also considers the Crew have yet to win at altitude in Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto, 0-3 since the opening of the stadia.

Add to that 7 players, most of them starters, will be missing in action once again for the second leg tonight... And mix in a suspended Emilio Renteria, for added grimace.

Such a formula of lineup disaster is unlikely to equate to a Crew debut in the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals after 90 minutes tonight.

But, then again, when the Crew debuted four new players on defense last week out of five positions, a clean sheet and a tie seemed unlikely in the first leg. So, let's play the game before crowning RSL Champions of the North American soccer world.

Crew Legend Jeff Cunningham Slated To Make His First Crew Start Since 2004

RSL knows all about Jeff Cunningham. The U.S. International from Montego Bay has scored 19 goals in 32 games with the club from the land of milk and honey.

Sporting a unique hairstyle at the time, which probably helped with headers.

Warzycha is unsurprisingly looking at Cunningham to fill the suspended Renteria's starting spot. Probably not a bad move considering Cunningham has scored over 1 goal a game in every two appearances he has made in Utah.

Hopefully Jeff can get one over on a Real Salt Lake club that shipped him to the unforgiving tundra of Toronto F.C., where Cunningham had the worst form of his successful MLS career.

Is RSL Focused On Winning This Series Or On Creating Docu-drama's?

For the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal RSL has logged in over 40 minutes of docu-drama coverage, full with awe inspiring intro music and a creepy narrator for part 1 and part 2 of the series.

This past week, parts 3 and 4 were shot. The documentary is pretty good and interesting as a fan of MLS soccer, who wonders what goes into the preparation for these games. However, I wonder if the Crew can use any of this to get a feel on RSL's prepping for tonight's matchup?

Here's part 1 and part 2 if you want to hear the most painstaking voice over ever.

Another issue I have with this series is that we know who MLS headquarters is rooting for tonight; As MLS didn't decide to cover both teams in this series, only RSL. So, if the Crew beat RSL tonight, MLS will no longer be able to do this series on RSL's CONCACAF Champions League run and it would look cheap to switch over to the Crew midstream.

With some money and production invested in the filming of RSL, how nice would it be to give another "forget you" to MLS headquarters. The Massive club gets snubbed again, you would think that MLS could at least do this series on Columbus, since we won't be on ESPN all year.

"No one likes us and we don't care."

Ok.. I kind of care otherwise I wouldn't of wrote about it.

Crewture's Lineup Prediction:

-------Mendoza-----Cunningham---------
--------------Ekpo--------------------
Rogers---------------------------Gaven
-------------Grossman-----------------
Gardner----Iro------Balchan----Miranda
--------------Hesmer------------------

William Hesmer has declared himself ready to play on Tuesday, and I would like to see that happen.

Newly installed backup Ray Burse didn't do a bad job last Tuesday, but Burse also wasn't challenged often by RSL. I see a stark contrast on the horizon at RSL's home turf, as I'm afraid Burse (or whoever starts at goalkeeper) won't have a similiarly boring night out.

Dilly Duka may also be fit for tonight's match up. If Duka was a little more game fit, I would not be surprised if the U.S. youth international got his chance at attacking midfield; As Emmanuel Ekpo was unconvincing at that position last week.

As far as the defense, same chorus, second verse. Most of our starting defense from last year is still injured but Miranda, Balchan, Gardner, and Grossman all took some names and kicked some ass last week in their debuts.

More of the same will be crucial in winning on the road and advancing to the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals.

Tripped Up: The Crew are going to need much better performances out of their midfield trio of Ekpo (above), Gaven, and Rogers to advance to the semifinals.

Keys To The Game: Crew are going to need a repeat "standing O-hio like" performance from their makeshift backline. The Crew are also going to have to get Ekpo, Rogers, and Gaven to step up and become more involved in the game. Further, Cunningham's veteran goalscoring experience is going to be key in slotting one past RSL; were going to need a focused Cunningham tonight otherwise I don't know if we score.

Prediction: Crew 2, RSL 1

Tonight will not be as preseason-like as last week for both clubs. Both clubs have 90 minutes of soccer that matters underneath their belts and I have a feeling it will get intense tonight; as both clubs are staring elimination from this tournament right in the face.. A huge contrast compared to last week which was more of a feeling out process in bone chilling weather.

I believe last week wasn't an albatross for our new defenders, I think they'll show up once again. Nevertheless, RSL is going to be more threatening offensively at home, it will be a battle, and they will score.

The question is whether the Crew's offense is going to show up tonight past the first 25 minutes of the game; as that was around the time the Crew attack started to shut down last week.

A similiar shut down and the Crew goes home. However, I have a feeling Cunningham will put the Crew on his back this evening. I'm saying two for MLS's second leading goalscorer...

Unfornately those two are not coming in a MLS matchup :-), which will delay Cunningham taking over first place on the MLS scoring charts. However, I don't think Cunningham or the Crew will particularly mind as long as their headed for a Semifinal matchup.

2/26/2011: Crewture Video- Highlights from Crew vs. RSL (1st Leg Champs League)

2011-02-26T04:11:00.000-08:00

Crewture.com: Highlights from Crew vs. RSL (1st Leg Champs League)-

Highlights from the field and the stands during the 0-0 tie in the first leg of the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. As well as player ratings.

Music:
Theophilis London- You've Got The Love (Florence and The Machine XX Remix)

2/25/2011: Crewture's "The People's Ratings" For First Leg Vs. RSL

2011-02-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

Emilio Renteria 7.0- Thought out of the two starters, Emilio was a bit more lively than Mendoza. Renteria had some good head's up passes early on, had one of the best opportunities, and dribbled well early on. Rating would of been higher for Renteria, and Mendoza if they could have gotten on the scoresheet.

Andres Mendoza 6.9- Not a bad performance from Mendoza.. Mendoza did seem lively early on and more interested compared to when he was on the field in late 2010. Mendoza, similiar to Renteria, ran out of ideas early on in the second half and was less effective.

Emmanuel Ekpo 6.4- Ekpo and Rogers need to step up a bit and have a big 2011. Doesn't seem like either was intending on stepping up last Tuesday. Ekpo had a couple moments early on. But, by the middle of the first half Ekpo was doing his dribbling to nowhere foray's that led to a few turnovers. In the second half, I forgot Ekpo was still on the field and thought he had been substituted. Barely got a touch on the ball.

Robbie Rogers 6.4- Rogers first outing in 2011 could have been better. Robbie's crossing was off, as in the first half there was a breakaway where a good cross could have led to a goal but instead Rogers fluffed the cross over the keeper and towards the Nordecke.

Also, Robbie's corners made me miss Schelotto's, nowhere near GBS's quality yet in that department. Not sure if it's disinterest, but Rogers needs to focus and have a big year in 2011 to get back to the success he had in early 2008.

Eddie Gaven 6.4- Gaven has had better games. And there's not as much pressure on him in 2011, as Ekpo and Rogers, because Gaven has performed on a pretty consistent basis yearly for the Crew from 2008-2011.

But, Tuesday, be it the cold or whatever, just wasn't Gaven's night; As Eddie's biggest contribution in the match was forcing a tackle by Beltran that led to Beltran's first of two yellow's, culminating into a red.

Cole Grossman 7.5- Cole was one of those pleasant new surprises on Tuesday night. Not sure what it was, but all the new players looked more focused... More than likely because there's more urgency for them to impress the manager early on.

Anyways, Grossman had an impressive tackle that caught into my memory and the best set piece take of the night in the second half. Could of given Cole a higher rating, but we'll see if his first run out is the usual or just an albatross.

Sebastian Miranda 7.9- Noticied Miranda all the time on Tuesday as he seemed to be involved and everywhere all game, snuffing out RSL's attacking opportunities. Miranda showed why he was a captain with his team in Chile and I could see the former Red Bull Salzburg player becoming a captain once again with Columbus if his English improves.

Really liked Miranda's bite, his acceleration/speed, and his decision making. Will see if he can keep it up.

Rich Balchan 7.5- Had Espindola and the rest of RSL's attack shut down, showed a lot of pace in defense as the Crew have seemed to select Miranda and Balchan for their pace as well; As overall this is a much quicker team.

Impressive to get a clean sheet with Iro in central defense, in his first outing against a team with one roster change all offseason in RSL.

Andy Iro 7.6- I have questioned Iro a bit in the offseason. But, give credit where credit is due, Iro showed up and played well last Tuesday night. Seems like Iro was a bit faster on Tuesday in shuffling his feet and keeping in front of his defender; As in the past sometimes Iro's lack of pace would get him in trouble.

Good game. Made good decisions in the back all night.

Josh Gardner 7.2- Had a good game surprisingly filling in on the left side; as nobody had Josh Gardner slated into the lineup predictions. Heck, Gardner only joined the Crew officially the day before.

But, considering his performance on Tuesday, and considering Gardner's solid play in second division U.S. soccer, he appears to be a good selection for some depth in the Crew's defensive positions. Once again, Gardner appeared to have good pace as well.

Ray Burse 6.7- Didn't have much to do, but also did not make any boneheaded goalkeeping mistakes either. So, gets a so-so rating. Got the cleansheet, but I could have played goalkeeper Tuesday night for the Crew and probably have picked up a cleansheet as well.

No joke. That's how unthreatening RSL's attack was.

Leandre Griffit 6.9- As a substitute in the 63rd minute, had a nice run down the right side at one point late in the game. Was about the only player that decided to take on RSL's defense late in the game instead of back passing around RSL's defensive shell.

Also, on a random note, Griffit has about the most impressive trap when a teammate crosses a diagonal ball, 30 yards across the field.

However, Griffit made a few mistakes as well, for example his one corner kick attempt late in the game was horrific.

Jeff Cunningham & Justin Meram 6.5's- I'm going to put both of the striker substitutes in the second half into the same boat; As both Cunningham and Meram tried to get open and make something happen.. But, then again the Crew's midfield just did a horrible job of being creative and making an opening or nice cross for Cunningham or Meram to get on the end of.

Both our exciting players though, and was happy to see both get on the field. One of these two will likely have to combine with Mendoza next Tuesday in RSL, since Renteria is out of the second leg with a red card.

2/25/2011: New Poll- What New Face Will Have The Most Impact In 2011?

2011-02-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Photos by Sam Fahmi/Massive Report. Check out his gallery here at The Massive Report.

The biggest positive from Tuesday night for the Columbus Crew is that the new faces, not the old ones, stepped up and had the best games in the frigid opener.

New Chilean back Sebastian Miranda was aggressive and ran all day, Rich Balchan was fast and could chase down any attacker, Cole Grossman was physical in the middle and made his prescene known, and Josh Gardner filled in well on the left side in his first MLS action in half a decade.

So, what player is going to take those good vibrations and be the next star for the Crew this season. There's a poll on the bottom right side on Crewture's main page (for you to vote) and also would love to here your evaluations of all four new players right here in the comments section.

Sebastian Miranda.. One of the most impressive new faces according to the consensus by Crew fans from Tuesday night. The former captain, with over 200 caps for Chilean Premier side Union Espana, had the polished play and smarts of a professional on Tuesday.

Miranda was aggressive with his defensive decisions, no indecision, and had a motor that allowed him to run all 90 minutes Tuesday. More of that this season from Miranda will ease the loss of fan favorite Frankie Hejduk.

Cole Grossman looks like a great pick in the draft at #28 this season. Grossman was physical, at one point knocking a RSL player right off a ball and onto the ground on Tuesday. His youthfulness, didn't lack a mature-ness that you often see from Duke players (such as in basketball). Grossman made smart decisions. I'm very unconcerned with our defensive midfield position this season with Balchan and Grossman hopefully sharing the starting reigns.

If both can step up in that position, then we can put O'Rourke back on the backline with Marshall.

Rich Balchan who could be Warzycha's brother in the above picture, looks like he could have a similiar distinguished playing career like the coach who drafted him with the Crew's first #8 pick this year.

The Crew haven't made it a secret that they have been very pleased with Balchan in preseason, and he showed well in a makeshift central defense with Andy Iro on Tuesday.

Balchan has the ability to start from day one with the Crew and hopefully he has a long and distinguished career in front of him for the black and yellow.

Josh Gardner is the case of a highly valued player as a rookie, who was selected by LA at #13 in 2004, who however couldn't make a name for himself as a young player in MLS. So, Josh dropped down a division and from 2007-2010 got himself over 100 caps with the USL-1 version of the Seattle Sounders and the Carolina Railhawks of the NASL.

In 2007, Josh was instrumental in the Sounders side that won the USL-1 Championship. In 2010, Josh once again led the Railhawks to the USSF Division 2 Pro (USL-1 & NASL) final.

Gardner is a player that had his ups and downs, and fought his way back up to MLS with the Columbus Crew this season. I like a player who has been through some tribulations and hasn't just had the easy road, where everything is handed to him. Learning his trade in the less glamorous USL-1 makes Josh a tougher character.

If Gardner plays as well as he did on Tuesday, Francis may have some competition this season on the left side.

So what did you think of these new players, which ones do you see having a long term impact with the Crew? Leave a comment or vote on the main page.

2/23/2011: First Reactions To 2011 Crew Overwhelmingly Positive

2011-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

Andres Mendoza (above) showed flashes last night early on of being able to team up well with Emilio Renteria in 2011.

The Columbus Crew played out to a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake tonight in the home leg of the CONCACAF quarterfinal. The game probably wasn't the most exciting affair to warm up the diehards in 20 degree weather, but despite a possible lack of excitement, the game was eye opening in a lot of respects.

I'm just going to list off some quick positives and negatives, and go to bed, a three hour drive home has me sleepy here...

POSITIVES:

*Some new additions played pretty well in my opinion, and have helped allay some of my concerns going into 2011. Sebastian Miranda looks like a real player, with an engine, I think he will be a good player in the back.

Grossman really impressed me too, especially for just getting thrown in there. Had a very nice couple of tackles. Grossman may be just one of those later rounders that turns into a star for us. Solid, young player.

Didn't see as much from Balchan. But, then again you don't want to see a lot from defenders. He did well with Iro in central defense, good first clean sheet outing from the rookie back.

Josh Gardner did well filling in on the left side for Shaun Francis. Gardner did shank that one cross, but that's to be expected when you're not left footed. I thought Gardner was a pretty good player when I saw him before at L.A., gives us some nice depth especially if he can fill in at the left back position.

Thought Andy Iro had a pretty good game, seems like he was quicker and more aggressive last night in defense.

Overall, great job defensively considering there was no Chad Marshall or Danny O'Rourke or Shaun Francis. Although I think I like Miranda and Balchan or Gardner better as our wing backs.

*The Crew played some good attack in the beginning.. They cut through the middle of RSL by playing quick, one touch balls in the heart of the RSL defense. This is the key, the Crew have to keep it on the ground and attack defense's more centrally. Attack the heart of the defense if they let you. As in the second half the Crew tried to push it out wide, and the crosses were bad, and the Crew ran out of ideas which led to a bunch of back passing.

Just instead of going right through the middle (thought RSL was letting the Crew in the beginning and they still could) in the second half their were no ideas and some back passing. Played better 11 on 11 actually.

*It was really fun giving Jeff Cunningham a round of applause last night when he entered, lifted me a little bit when my freezing toes were in excruciating pain. I like bringing him and Meram in later in the game. Have Renteria and Mendoza pound you, and then you look over and the second leading goalscorer in MLS is coming off the bench. It's like the calvary has just arrived.

NEGATIVES:

*Thought Ekpo and Rogers could have had better games. Rogers had some terrible crosses, and Ekpo went on a few dribbling forays that led to shots 30 yards over the crossbar.

*The Crew played worse a man up. Seems the Crew were more aggressive in attacking the RSL defense when it was 11 on 11. As soon as the Crew got a man up, they looked content on passing it around the defensive shell of RSL looking for an opening.

The problem was no one on the Crew, late in the game, made a bold move or took anyone on, they just continued to pass around looking for the perfect opportunity and it never came. Sometimes you have to make your own opportunities in the attack.

*Haven't found the person yet to replace Schelotto on crosses, although Grossman had a nice free kick on goal. The crosses were terrible be it Rogers or Griffit's (although I think Griffit did some good things last night).

OVERALL:

Could of been a lot worse. I really like that this team seems to have a lot more pace, and played a lot more directly at times earlier in the game. I liked how they went from defense to attacking in a snap of a finger at times early on.

Wasn't as impressed in the play when we were a man up.

But, definitely some things to hang your hat on. Further, I thought the Crew was the more positive team out of the two last night. I'm optimistic that the Crew can still pull out a win against RSL next week away.

OUTSIDE OPINION:

Seems like outside opinion on this game gives the Crew a lot to hang their hats on as well. Leander Schaerlaeckens ESPN blog commented on the courageous Crew and reeling Real here.

2/22/2011: Starless, New Look Crew Needs A Big Performance Tonight To Win Over Nordecke, Crew Fans

2011-02-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

The end game for tonight after 90 minutes better be a happy, joyous victory filled clap over at the Nordecke, or Crew fans have a month to ruminate over a loss tonight.

Rob Oller's Columbus Dispatch article is right, the Crew are severely lacking in leaders and stars entering the 2011 season. And the likes of Chad Marshall and Emmanuel Ekpo stepping up and taking on that role are unlikely.

So, what do the Crew have to do tonight, just win baby.

Winning is the cure all for fans. Fans who are sour because they've lost players that they have connected to like Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Frankie Hejduk.

The Crew need a big performance tonight to put a lot behind them and to open a new chapter, that's the most important thing that can be gained out of tonight. Not as Warzycha said yesterday, that the most important thing from this game is that both teams do not suffer an injury.

Oller's article is once again right, the face of the Crew organization at the moment is the Nordecke. And this new Crew is basically on a job interview tonight, will they do the right things to impress the Nordecke or will they leave the Nordecke looking for more and asking questions?

If the Crew do the latter, it will breed negativty into the MLS season, as Crew fans will have a good month to discuss this game as they await the MLS season.

A bad performance tonight and Crew fans might already start to write off 2011. So, a big performance tonight is crucial to get 2011, and Warzycha's team off to a good start.

In mid-20 degree weather tonight, the only ones that will probably be there in force tonight is the Nordecke. It probably wouldn't be a keen idea of the Crew to play 50% percent and blame the weather, and leave these diehards asking questions after 90 minutes tonight.

2/22/2011: What Every Striker Should Say..

2011-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Jeff Cunningham demonstrates why he's a goal away from becoming the leading goalscorer in MLS with this comment today to The Columbus Dispatch:

"I know I can continue to score goals in this league but I have to prove that to the fans and my teammates. Robert has faith in me. That's why he brought me in. But I have to reward that. I need to get to that level were I'm scoring goals regularly. This is going to be a big season for me."

Although it will be debated whether Cunningham is a positive or negative force in a locker room, there is no doubt that this is a positive goal scoring attitude. An attitude that you just haven't heard a lot from Crew strikers in the past few years.. And frankly, I like it.

A quote that I'm not so hot on in the run up to Tuesday's "pivotal" Concacaf quarterfinal home leg, is what Warzycha had to say in terms of what is important for Tuesday's game:

"It’s not going to be an ideal situation but they will adjust. The important thing is for nobody to get injured on either team because of the weather conditions."

Gee. The important thing is for no one to get hurt on Real Salt Lake? I'm driving three hours tomorrow to watch this game in 20 degree weather, could you at least say something more motivating Robert, instead of I hope no one on either team gets hurt.

Glad another fan picked up on this in The Columbus Dispatch comments:

blandestk:
Crew coach Robert Warzycha: "The important thing is for us to win this match."

Oh, no, wait, the important thing is for neither team to be injured due to weather conditions.

Have to agree that the important thing in this game is one step closer to a FIFA Club World Cup debut, not whether RSL ends up hamstring-perfect after 90 minutes on Tuesday. Hmm..

2/21/2011: Guillermo's Progress In Argentina

2011-02-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

So far Guillermo Barros Schelotto has started both of his games back in Gimnasia for the Primera Division relegation battlers. In his first game back, Guillermo gained a penalty for Gimnasia that led to a vital tie.

Guillermo was key in gaining the penalty for his new club, as you can see to a better degree in the following video:

Guillermo's new club didn't have as good of a run out in their second game of the Clasura losing 3-1 to Olimpo:

2/21/2011: Crew Get Deeper With Veeder

2011-02-21T03:25:00.000-08:00

The 19 year old American defender Korey Veeder has joined the 2o11 Crew via weighted lottery.
Veeder helps a Crew defense, with a lot of question marks, start to gain itself some depth; As the Crew will hope that Veeder, who played 20 games for NASL side Crystal Palace Baltimore last year, will turn up to be quality similiar to how rookie Richard Balchan has so far.

Veeder who has 21 U-17 appearances, and 7 U-20 appearances for the United States found himself without a club in 2011 as Crystal Palace Baltimore dissolved; Veeder was hoping to parlay the end of his CP Baltimore career with a move over to England or Belgium thanks to Crystal Palace's contacts.. But, such a move didn't come about.

Last weekend, the Crew won the rights to Veeder despite only a 19% percent chance of landing him in the lottery. Toronto F.C. had a 45% percent chance, but per usual TFC fail were unable to land Veeder over the Crew. The Crew are not likely complaining and will gladly take the extra defensive depth.

2/21/2011: Preview- And So It Begins.. Crew Begin 2011 Season On Tuesday Vs. RSL

2011-02-21T01:49:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Columbus Crew is Robert Warzycha's team. There will be no excuses come the end of this season, if the 2011 team is successful his decisions in this offseason will have a lot to do with it. Likewise, if the Crew are less successful than 2010, Warzycha's decisions might come back to haunt him in the 2011-2012 offseason.

Either way, the decisions have been made, and we have to support the manager and the team we have. Further, it's the opening game of the season which is the most optimistic moment of the season for a lot of fans. So, it's best to feed off the optimism now before Tuesday night is over.

How The Crew Are Shaping Up Defensively For The 2011 Season (And Against RSL on Tuesday)

Crew's manager Robert Warzycha has commented (and commented.. and commented again) in the last week that he has been happy and impressed with his defense in Arizona. That's all nice and good but the Crew also lost three games in Arizona, including a 4-2 loss to Houston.

Nevertheless, rookie Richard Balchan is wooing the Crew staff and may be ready to step into defense right away which is a good thing. Additionally, it also appears that the Crew staff is happy with Sebastian Miranda's transition to the MLS game so far which is also a positive.

On the other hand, the Crew are not shaping up well in defense for Tuesday's Concacaf Quarterfinal (Home Leg) as possible starting defenders Shaun Francis (left back) and Danny O'Rourke (center back) are out.

With that news the backline will likely be a game time decision for Warzycha, open for interpretation and discussion until it's announced on the Crew Stadium's loud speaker.

Backline expectations: Miranda and even Balchan are known for being versatile on the backline. Balchan may be less so though, so I could see Balchan starting at his more traditional right back and Miranda at left back with Marshall and Iro in the middle.

Miranda-----Iro------Marshall-----Balchan

The Midfield For The 2011 Season (And Against RSL)

The midfield is the Crew's strongpoint in 2011 with former starters Gaven, Ekpo, and Rogers complemented by the likes of Duka, Griffit, and the rookie Grossman.

Recently, Warzycha said that the Crew were likely to play two true forwards in 2011 complemented by an attacking midfielder. This means the Crew are likely looking to play a 4-4-2 diamond formation with an attacking and defending midfielder, along with two wingers in 2011.

With no injuries, I could see the Crew trotting out the following on opening day in midfield.

----------Rogers/Ekpo------------
Rogers/Ekpo-----------------Gaven
--------O'Rourke/Balchan---------

Against RSL on Tuesday, the Crew's likely best midfielder, Eddie Gaven, is questionable. Further, O'Rourke isn't expected to play and Balchan will likely have to go to the backline because of injuries there. Also, Burns may be ruled out because of a rib injury.

Therefore, the Crew may be more looking at a starting midfield of:

-------------Rogers-----------
Griffit-------------------Ekpo
-----------Grossman-----------

Or if Gaven can go:

----------Ekpo------------
Rogers---------------Gaven
---------Grossman---------

As a result, once again the Crew may be weaker than normal on the field this Tuesday because of injury issues.

The Offense For The 2011 Season (And Against RSL)

I think that the Crew's strikeforce is quietly the most improved area of this team so far in 2011. I like the options the Crew has with Mendoza, Renteria, Cunningham, and Meram compared to the beginning of 2010 with Renteria, Herrera, Garey, and Lenhart.

I may not totally agree with the substantial pay increase for Mendoza but if he scored 13 goals in Mexico two years ago, he should be able to do the same in America with a full season. Meram is a talented product and I like the aggressive move by the Crew to get him for Lenhart. Cunningham has 28 goals over the last two seasons, so there is no reason Cunningham couldn't poach 10 more for the Crew this year. And finally, I believe Renteria is a good run of form away from a 10-15 goal year for the Crew, as Renteria steadily improves and is a work horse.

The starting lineup up top for the Crew on Tuesday and for the season will likely be:
Mendoza--------------Renteria

With either Cunningham or Meram getting 20-30 minutes off the bench.

X FACTORS IN RSL MATCHUP:
For the Crew the X Factor will be the play in defense of rookie Richard Balchan and new international Sebastian Miranda, will there play be enough to keep the RSL attack at bay. For RSL, it will be the play of Brazilian youngster Paulo Jr., how will he combine with Saborio in the attack and does he have more CONCACAF goals in him.

The winner of these unknowns, will likely win the game. I can see the Crew slating one or two past RSL's defense, but the big question mark is whether the Crew's makeshift defense on Tuesday can hold RSL's offense in check.

OVERALL, HOW DOES THE CREW MATCH UP AGAINST RSL:

Although the following lineup isn't what the Crew would like to start out the CONCACAF Quarterfinals with-

----Mendoza------------Renteria------
--------------Ekpo-------------------
Rogers--------------------------Gaven
------------Grossman-----------------
Miranda----Iro-----Marshall---Balchan
-------------Burse-------------------

Especially in the goalkeeping position as Burse hasn't started a MLS game since 2009, Real Salt Lake are going through their own issues of an unfinalized roster.

Even with RSL's own issues, concerns, and question marks, the Crew will have to be on their toes in defense on Tuesday as RSL has some offensive punch by adding Arturo Alvarez to the likes of Saborio, an impressive Brazilian youngster Paulo Jr., and Javier Morales.

However, I believe the excitement of the first game at Columbus Crew Stadium for the 2011 season will lift the Crew in their opener of this CONCACAF series. Hopefully, being at home lifts the Crew to a two or greater goal lead as they'll need it in the away leg at Rio Tinto next week... Especially if the Crew do not get healthier in a week's time.

RESULT: Crew 3, RSL 1. The Crew will need a big game from their new attack. I think Renteria, Mendoza, and Cunningham all get off to the races with a goal a piece for the good guys, but RSL keeps it close by exchanging the first goal and going into half at 1-1. The Crew pull away late, as the home momentum and bad weather is just too much for RSL to overcome.

2/8/2011: Crewture's In The Mix- Best Goals Worldwide (For 2/1 to 2/8/2011)

2011-02-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Just a new weekly video i'm putting on my soccer websites. I'm extending it to more leagues like MLS, Bundesliga, etc. in coming weeks. Music mixed as well by me, just something fun weekly for those that don't have a hour to browse for goal highlights..

Crewture: In The Mix
"World Is Yours" Mix for 2/1 to 2/8

Songs:
Take Over Control- Afrojack ft. Eva Simons
South American- Tom Sawyer vs. Dj Beatbreaker
Pass Out- Tinie Tempah vs. Bomfunk MC's
World Is Yours- Sidney Sampson

2/6/2011: Crew Bring Trio Of International Trialists To Arizona Camp

2011-02-06T23:15:00.001-08:00

The Crew have introduced a trio of international trialists in Arizona in replacement of Pat McAfee ( a NFL punter with the Colts, who the Crew thankfully left in Columbus) and the other debatedly impressive trialists the Crew trialed back in Columbus as well (who they have also parted ties with recently). Here's a little info on the trio, let's hope one ends up being a diamond in the rough for the Massive Club.

Santiago "Santi" Prim, 20

Santiago was last on contract with San Lorenzo of the Argentine Primera division. At San Lorenzo, Santiago made two appearances in 2009. Since 2009, "Santi" has languished in the reserves at the club. At 5'8, the Argentine attacking midfielder/withdrawn forward sounds like a younger version (at least in build and citizenship) of Schelotto, who the Crew apparently didn't need anymore.

With the Crew looking to play two true forwards in 2011, instead of a withdrawn forward/attacking mid- Schelotto's position- along with a true forward like they did from 2008 to 2010, I find it surprising that there seems to be a focus on the attacking midfield/withdrawn forward position so far in the players the Crew are bringing in for a look in 2011.

Crewture's Thoughts: Santi could pan out, as decent Argentinians have turned out to be All-Stars in MLS. For example, Javier Morales is an All-Star with RSL, and played in the Fourth Division of Spain before making the move to Utah. Nevertheless, Morales in his younger days also had over 100 caps with Argentinean Primera side Arsenal over two spells.

However, other Argentines, such as Morales teammate Fabian Espindola were virtual unknowns before coming to MLS and since Espindola's move stateside in 2007, he has carved out over 70 respectable appearances for RSL as a role player. So, you never know, what could be excess goods for San Lorenzo could be treasure for the Crew.

Dejan Rusmir, 31

Dejan had an inconspicous start and recent career, with a nice middle. At 21, Rusmir's youth appearances in Serbia got him a deal with big Serbian club Partizan Belgrade. But, from 21 to 24 Rusmir made only 10 appearances. He backed that up with only another 12 appearances with less impressive Serbian side Rad Beograd for the next two seasons.

Finally at 26, he found a spot for himself by moving to the Romanian first division with newly promoted Ceahlăul Piatra Neamţ. With Piatra Neamt, Dejan made 53 appearances (netting 10 goals) from 2006 to 2008 and then moved to fellow relegation battlers Farul Constanta where he once again started for the most part with 27 appearances in the 2008-2009 season with 5 goals.

From 2006 to 2009, at the age of 26 to 29, Dejan had his peak with 90 appearances and 16 goals, mainly in the Romanian first division. His Farul side didn't do well in his year as a starter and were relegated to the second division in 2009-2010. Dejan kept his spot at the start of the 2009-2010 season but lost it by November 2009, after 10 appearances. Since then Dejan has languished on the bench in 2010 and has been without a team since June of 2010.

Despite his debatable recent form (on a bench and then on a sofa for the last year), there is some nice vision and creativity in these videos to warrant a look.

Crewture's Thoughts: There are some things to suggest in the above video that Dejan could be a leader in that more attacking central midfield position above Danny O'Rourke. Then again, at 31 I'm not sure how excited I am of him and certainly don't see him as an upgrade to Schelotto (which he plays a lot like it seems- a poor man's Eastern European version of Schelotto).

Not that this is a bad thing, especially if Dejan has more pace and is more willing to get back and defend. But, I would be way more excited about his experience if Dejan was 25 or even 27 or 28. At 31, and without any Serbian or Romanian clubs scrambling to pick him up in the last six or seven months.. How much of a commodity can he be?

I guess we will see.

Alex Fraga, 24

Fraga may be the one jewel that the Crew have brought in. The 24 year old, who just recently was let go from Brazilian top side Athletico Paranaese, had 26 appearances for the Brazilian club from 2006 to 2009. He also started the whole 2010 season (31 games) on loan for Georgian Premier side Olimpi Rustavi, leading them to a title this past 2010 season.

Fraga is off to a good start, scoring in a 2-2 tie against Kansas City in the Crew's first preseason game from a Gaven corner.

Crewture's Thoughts: The Crew could use a diamond in the rough at center back. I'm not yet convinced of Andy Iro completely, and if Warzycha intends to use O'Rourke as a DM instead of a CB. I would like someone solid to pair in central defense with Chad Marshall. Hopefully Fraga can be that.

2/1/2011: Pros & Cons Of The Crew 2010-2011 Offseason (Part 1)

2011-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Since the Crew departed ways with their veteran core of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Frankie Hejduk, Gino Padula, Duncan Oughton, and Brian Carroll; as well as contributors such as Steven Lenhart, Jason Garey, Adam Moffat, and Eric Brunner, the Crew have to rebuild (yes, it's a rebuild) fast to compete in 2011.

Here Crewture will take a look at some of the moves so far and rate them.

Move 1- Sebastian Miranda A captain for the last few years on the backline of Union Espana in Chile, the 30 something Miranda appears to be a strong acquisition at right back. Chile is an up and coming soccer nation, who did very well in South Africa in 2010.

The Crew also has recent good luck picking up solid Chilean defenders, as Chilean back Marcos Gonzalez was probably one of the best Crew players in 2006 and 2007. So, the Crew might have a connection in Chile that brings them sure things in defense.

Verdict: Miranda may be capable of playing as well or even better as a declining Hejduk. But, it will be hard for Miranda to match Hejduk being the heart and soul of the Crew. B+, the Crew are going to need a few more Miranda-like signings at CB and LB to be solid enough in the back in 2011.

Move 2- Trading Lenhart to move up in the draft for Justin Meram Just taking a look at the below video of Meram taking Penn State to the sword, I have to say I like the kid's footwork, determination, and powerful shot. I have a good feeling that this kid will be a good surprise for us. And the Crew are due for a surprise at striker, someone to say "I'm going to work hard, be dangerous, and try to score every game." Someone who is going to take that position and squeeze some actual success out of it, instead of mediocrity.

We all liked Lenhart, and Garey was a good person too. But, I agree on the Crew wanting a little more from their striker corps.

If Meram can do a little of this eventually in MLS for the black and yellow, it's more than just a little more:

Verdict: A+

Move 3- Signing Jeff Cunningham With the Crew cutting ties with all of their natural leaders in Guillermo, Frankie, Duncan, Gino, and Carroll, there was a big question of who is going to lead this team onto the field in 2011.

Cunningham has been labeled as being poisonous to a few locker rooms during his younger years. But, he has 182 Crew appearances and 62 goals for the club, he is a goal away from being the leading goalscorer in the history of MLS, he's got 15 caps to his name, and he's 34 and hence more mature than he used to be.

Cunningham is someone that if he spoke up, I could see nearly all Crew players listening too.

Further, he's not bad either in goalscoring as of late, Cunningham led MLS two seasons ago with 17 goals, and has 28 in the last two seasons. Cunningham's down season of 11 goals last year (compared to his 17 in 2009) still trumps all Crew striker's since Cunningham was last here in 2003.

Verdict: A- Don't think he will be a veteran leader like Guillermo and Frankie. Heck, he might not even be considered a leader since he hasn't been here since 2004. But, glad to have a veteran goalscorer on the team, especially if it came at the discounted salary that the Crew were offering Cunningham back in December.

Move 4- Trialists Hopefully were looking to sign some bigger names. All these trialists we are bringing in don't impress me at all.

Look at Toronto FC's list of trialists for their camp in Turkey.

If you're too lazy to click a link, here's a brief overview...
King Gyan Osei- Fulham product, 57 caps in Belgian First Division with Germinal Beerschot
Eddy Sidra- 56 Caps with Bundesliga II side Energie Cottbus, some at lower levels, some at top levels
Zavarese- With Super League Club in Greece, VFL Bochum Reserves
Javier Martina- 2 caps with Ajax
& then Bas Ent, Nick Sloosma, and a few others.

In comparison, we brought in Mark Blades, Caleb-Patterson Sewell, some Argentinian grade school player called Nery Bandiero, and Colts punter Pat McAfee for publicity/so the Dispatch could make fun of his public intoxication 20 times.

Verdict: Flat F, for now

Move 5- Andres Mendoza as a Designated Player Yes, that's right, the Crew might pay Mendoza $500,000 dollars in 2011 making Mendoza a DP. Last season Andres Mendoza made $216,000 dollars, contributing only 2 goals in 8 regular season games.

Mendoza did have more success in the Champions League putting in a few goals against weaker competition, as well as one goal against stronger competition in Mexican side Santos.

But, overall Mendoza didn't change many MLS games or make any difference in the finish of the Crew in 2010. Further, Mendoza missed three or four good chances to send the Crew into the next round of the playoffs against eventual champions, the Colorado Rapids.

Mendoza has also gained a tag of being lazy and lacking determination by some Crew fans. Nevertheless, he did show a few flashes, further the guy deserves a full season. But, does he deserve one at $500,000?

Some think the Crew would be better off combining Mendoza's salary with their allocation money to find an even better striker. That Mendoza is a little underwhelming as a DP signing and a new Crew needs a bigger jolt in this offseason of change.

Others may think, if Mendoza can score 13 goals in Mexico in 2008-2009, it wouldn't be a real shock if a slower and older Mendoza could score 13 goals in MLS three seasons later, because the Mexican Primera is still a better league.

Crew fans would kill for a striker to put in 13 goals in a season. The best we have had since 2003 is 10 goals in 2008 by Alejandro Moreno. So, I see the logic there.

If you put a possible 13 goals by Mendoza together with Cunningham's 28 goals in the last two seasons, Renteria's ability (I think he's always improving and could surprise someone with 10-15 goals), and Meram, and were looking better than Renteria, Garey, Lenhart, and Herrera at the start of last season.

So there are positives. Just with so many holes, it's quite a bet by the Crew to spend a DP slot on a striker that is just as much of a question mark (if not more of one) than the rest of the Crew's striker corps; As many Crew fans would see Renteria and Cunningham as more reliable players. So, Warzycha is betting all in on Mendoza, and Mendoza better come up a full house in 2011.

Verdict: C-, Remains to be seen. But, I think a player that didn't do much last season should keep the same salary, have a small decrease in salary, or a small bump (if his resume requires one, which is prob the case with Mendoza); Nevertheless, his salary shouldn't double.

1/24/2011: Crew Re-Ups With Leandre Griffit At Lesser Rate

2011-01-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

According to The Columbus Dispatch, 26-year-old winger Leandre Griffit, a former player of Southamption and Crystal Palace, has recently re-signed with the Crew for the 2011 season.

The winger who showed great promise and ability in his limited minutes in 2010 (only played in 8 games, 2 regular season contests), was cut at the end of the 2010 season with Schelotto and Hejduk; as the Crew did not want to exercise Griffit's option leading to a more expensive contract.

Griffit was paid the league minimum of just over $40,000 in 2010 and apparently the Crew are giving Leandre a similiar contract for the 2011 season.

Having Griffit back is a favorable option for Crew fans who believed that Griffit didn't get a fair enough shake in 2010 and warranted more starting time; as the French midfielder scored in his first three minutes in a regular season match against the Houston Dynamo in July and looked very dangerous in almost every game that he played in ever since.

Warzycha on Griffit~

"We obviously see the value in him because we're bringing him back. But it's up to him whether he's going to be on the field. It's about him progressing, and he did that as the season went on last year."

Griffit may also get a chance at a central midfield role, along with Gaven or Rogers who are usually out the wings, as the Crew are going to need one of their wingers to transition well into more of a Schelotto role.

1/24/2011: Jeff Cunningham Doesn't Find Fit At IK Start, Randers; Signs With Crew.

2011-01-24T03:25:00.000-08:00

Jeff Cunningham's trials in Scandanavia with Randers F.C. and IK Start were apparently unsuccessful at landing Cunningham a long-term contract at either club. After trying his luck at signing a better contract at both clubs, Cunningham has elected to go back to America and sign for his first club- the Columbus Crew, according to IK Start's team website.

Signs for U.S. club
Jeff Cunningham has left Start and the town of Kristiansand.
Attacking player Jeff Cunningham has gone home to the U.S. to sign a two year contract with the Columbus Crew.

"It has been a pleasant acquaintance. He was also satisfied with his stay in Kristiansand, but not enough has been shown at his best, "said Rune Jakobsen of IK Start.

Cunningham has decided to sign a contract with the American club. He used some of his vacation days to train with Start.

"A pleasant city. Glad to see something other than what I'm accustomed to," said Cunningham, to ikstart a few days ago.

He spent plenty of time as a tourist as well in Kristiansand. When Knut Tørum recently offered the American shuttle to the city, Cunningham thanked him politely and said no because he wanted to have a look around for a while.

An imminent signing of Cunningham could be the answer to the question everyone has been asking, who is going to lead this young, Crew team on the field? Cunningham's 62 goals in 182 Crew appearances from 1998-2004 are some stats that all the Crew players can look up to, especially the strikers.

Further, with 132 career MLS goals, it won't take much for Cunningham to top Jaime Moreno's mark of 133 goals on the MLS career goalscorers list in this 2011 season; As Moreno retired at the end of 2010 season with D.C. United.

If it's true that Cunningham is coming home to agree to the Crew's discounted terms, I like the discount move as Cunningham is the right sort of veteran for this team.

Cunningham would definitely have a role to play; as he has had a better strike rate over the last few years compared to any Crew striker.

1/19/2011: Manchester City's Michael Johnson Speculated As Crew Target; Don't Think So.

2011-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

Crew Manager Robert Warzycha and Technical Director Brian Bliss are currently in England searching for their midfield backbone, reportedly working on a deal for a EPL backup midfielder. Yet no one, surprisingly not even The Sun or another English rag has found out yet who the Crew are exactly looking for. However, some today have said it is likely Manchester City's injury-riddled Michael Johnson.

Although a player of Michael Johnson's caliber (37 caps, 2 goals for Manchester City) would be a more attractive option in our midfield than a speculated Maloury Martin (0 caps, 0 goals at Blackpool) or another player at a similiar level; I find it unlikely that Johnson is a Crew target on loan despite what MLS-Rumors or others have speculated.

The 22 year old, coming off of 13 months away from Manchester City with knee problems, played a reserve game last week and had this to say to Manchester City News:

"Without saying too much, it's better for me to go and get games now. Ideally, that would mean going out somewhere for the rest of the season. If I'm going to get match-fit that would be the better option for me."

Now it's unlikely that Manchester City would see a loan move to the Columbus Crew as beneficial for a player such as Michael Johnson. They're likely to want to keep him close, in the English leagues. In fact, both EPL club Wolverhampton Wolves and Championship side Leeds United have said they are lining up loan offers for Johnson. The Crew cannot likely compete with those clubs.

Further, Bliss stated that "the player has six months left on his contract and the EPL club might do him a favor and let him go early." Doesn't sound like a loan move to me.

File this under unlikely, I still think it will be a Maloury Martin. Someone who was a project for an EPL side, but the EPL side has decided that the project is unlikely to pay dividends. Only sort of player from the EPL that the Crew can likely afford.

1/15/2011: Crew Shirt Sponsor-less in 2011, Should Reach Out & Donate Space To Charity

2011-01-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

As has been known for about a week, two year shirt sponsor Glidden (at a million a year) decided not to re-up for the 2011 season.

Columbus Crew general manager Mark McCullers said:

"Their industry has been really affected by this economy and they're not going to be on our jersey this year," Crew president and general manger Mark McCullers said.

In response, Crew fans have been making some amusing shirt sponsors, such as:

But, an idea I really like, is for the Crew to go the way of Barcelona with UNICEF, and donate their jersey space to a charity.. Something such as Habitat for Humanity, as was said on this forum:

Donating the space to charity would be more unique and interesting (as well as you know MASSIVELY good), and marketable; instead of the alternative of "no one will pay us $1 million so we will just keep our jersey blank, boo-hoo." Good idea in my opinion.

1/15/2011: Crew After English Premier League Midfielder. Who Would Fit The Bill

2011-01-15T04:52:00.000-08:00

Crew after a young midfielder in the EPL. Someone like Blackpool's Malaury Martin would make sense.

From Craig Merz on TheCrew.com:

Technical director Brian Bliss told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday that he and head coach Robert Warzycha will be in England next week to “take a look at this kid in the central part of the midfield. If he does something close to what the video shows us, this might be our guy to fill that spot.”

Bliss said the player is on a Premier League roster but could join the Crew soon if a deal is struck.

“My understanding was there’s an indication the club will let him go,” he said. “He has six months remaining on his deal but they would do the guy a favor.”

The key words are kid and take a look- which means this player is young and not totally proven. He's on a Premier League roster with six months remaining on his deal, but he must be unhappy and not playing, if the club would, in the words of Bliss, "let him go."

My best bet is someone like the following, it's got to be with someone on a cheaper team:
Malaury Martin- Plays for Blackpool, 22 year old, center midfield, 20 french caps, 20 caps in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. But, hasn't played at all for Blackpool this season. Under a one year contract with Blackpool.

And guess what, he also was a trialist with MLS's Chicago Fire.

Some Crew fans are setting their sights a little higher, like Kagisho Dikgacoi. But, I don't see it, they're taking a look at a kid. It's definitely going to be a younger face that probably lucked his way onto an EPL roster before his time.

1/15/2011: Crew Offered Schelotto $40 K Scout Job, Guille Unsurprisingly Goes To Gimnasia

2011-01-15T03:29:00.000-08:00

Schelotto back with his first Argentinean club, Gimnasia, shocked by Crew offer.

As everyone has probably heard by now, from Shawn Mitchell's article "Schelotto still looking for work following Crew exit," the Crew recently made an embarrassing staff offer to Crew legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto:

Schelotto said the Crew offered him a salary close to the player minimum of
$40,000 to remain as a scout, adviser and coach, but made it clear that there
was no place for him on the roster, at any price.

"In the first moment I was surprised," said Schelotto, who was granted a green card last year and still intends to make his permanent home in the U.S. "But now I am just upset that I cannot be in Columbus, in the city, anymore."

48 assists and 35 goals in 110 games and you're offered $40,000 dollars to join the staff. Really? Quite a way to treat someone who had a part in 83 goals over the past three seasons for your club. Who had a huge part in turning a club who's goal was just to make a playoff, into a champion; A club where just making the playoffs is now a dismal season. A season that demands rebuilding.

So, considering the Guillermo wave and chant (above), and his iconic status to Crew fans; It would've made more sense for the Crew to not make an offer to Schelotto at all. To let Schelotto part ways amicably, as possible, than making a bad offer that there's no way Schelotto would accept. An offer that says "once you meant the world to us, now were going to pay you the same as a 4th rounder in the MLS draft."

As it's not like Schelotto doesn't have 40,000 other options. Schelotto could coach Boca Juniors whenever he wants to, he could coach almost anywhere in the world at some capacity. Schelotto's options are endless. But, his main ones recently were to play for Gimnasia, Coach Boca Juniors, or be a scout with the Columbus Crew at $40,000. Hmm.. That's like offering a CEO a job at a kinko's checkout. It's obvious that Schelotto was never taking that offer. So, if you can't make a correct offer, don't make one at all.

The Crew should have just said he isn't in their plans and left it at that. Cut ties. It's like the Crew made the lowest offer they could knowing Schelotto would never accept. In my opinion, that's a real disappointing way to end a relationship with Schelotto.

So, recently with no future left at Columbus, Schelotto decided to continue his playing career with his first Argentinean club Gimnasia for the rest of this season, Schelotto signed a six-month contract the other day.

After those six months with Gimnasia are up, the future remains to be seen for the Crew legend. Schelotto said he wanted to stay in Columbus, OH to raise his kids here and that he loved his neighborhood in New Albany, OH. But, once Schelotto retires from the field and settles into coaching his options are endless. He could coach in MLS or elsewhere, but I doubt he coaches with the Crew (under current management) after this most recent slight.

"I am not angry," Schelotto said. "But I don't agree with (Warzycha). I don't argue with him about (me) being slow. You have to have the ball be fast, but you have to have the brain be fast, too.

"But this is soccer, and he can think different than me. I don't argue with all the decisions he has made. He chose another way than me."

If I was Schelotto, I would also think about coaching in Europe (Schelotto is catching on with English- he could coach in England or Holland, and Spanish- could coach in Spain). I'm sure if Schelotto put his CV out there he could get $250,000 at a lot exciting jobs and work his way up. And I'm sure there are a few continential European teams that would even give him a crack at Head Coach, lots in Argentina (and South America) but also I could see a mid-table Belgian club, or a mid-table Netherlands club, or a Greek club giving him a head coach chance.

I just don't get why the Crew would give Schelotto a lower end scouting job. The Crew could've at least made Schelotto a head assistant coach. Schelotto is a lot better known than our other Argentine assistant Ricardo Iribareen, same with any of the assistants. None of them have anywhere near the resume as Schelotto, including possibly Warzycha, and that may be the problem. It's either Warzycha's team or Schelotto's, and Warzycha wants to make it his team in 2011. Through and through.

This isn't totally a bad concept, since two leaders pull a team in two directions. But, if the case, lets just be real about it instead of saying, "hey we made Schelotto a decent offer." Because in actuality, the Crew didn't; and in doing so they didn't embarass Schelotto (or put him down a peg) with such an offer, they embarrassed the organization.

Schelotto reacquiants himself with the Argentine paparazzi.

1/15/2011: Crew Draft Picks Breakdown

2011-01-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

Richard Balchan
From: Indiana University
Stats: 76 starts in college career at prestigous Indiana University, 80 matches in total. Two time All-Big Ten, All-Big Ten First Team this past season.

In Balchan's Words:

"I watched Danny (O'Rourke) when he was at Indiana and I would say I have some of the same qualities. We're always going to have the drive to defend at Indiana. We're always going to bring that attitude to the game."

Weigh ins-

Rich Balchan has all the tools to step on the field right away, filling a need at right back. -Jason Saghini, MLSSoccer.com

Positions: Played mostly central defense and defensive midfield for Hoosiers. Can play defensive midfield, center back, and right back.

Crewture's Prespective: Balchan started his whole career at a hard place to do so in Indiana University, he has been compared to Danny O'Rourke, and he is versatile; Those are three major pluses.

Further, Balchan started 15 games his freshman year, this shows he may be better than most at making the step to the next level.

I also like that the Crew in Balchan and Miranda (also known for being able to play anywhere on a backline) are bringing in versatile defenders. This gives the Crew a lot of options in defense, if say someone's not pulling their weight or if there's an injury or two to the backline. Going to come in handy with O'Rourke out in the beginning.

Further, if Balchan morphs into another Danny O'Rourke, Crew fans will have no problems with that; as I would take a backline of four Danny O'Rourke's over our current defense.

Issues:

**A few wondered about the pick with Corey Hertzog still on the board, the man with the most points (20 goals, 6 assists in 22 games) this past NCAA season. But, I don't know if Hertzog's game translates to MLS. Most Big-Ten defenders, minus a few, are PDL or USL-2 level. Hertzog's only major attribute is finishing, MLS defenders will probably be able to keep him out of the right place, at the right time when Big-Ten defenders could not.

Plus, at pick 12 I think you're going to get a defender that works out in Balchan before you're going to get a forward that produces major results.

Videos:

And one I shot myself working for the Dayton Dutch Lions, as Balchan (3:14) actually scored against us in this game:

Grade: B+. If Balchan can step in and play well from day one, if he becomes like O'Rourke... Then Becomes an A+. Like that Balchan is versatile, like Miranda supposedly; as the Crew are going to need to try out a few combinations in defense before finding a winning one this season.

Justin Meram
From: Michigan University
Stats: 12 goals in his last 9 collegiate games with Michigan, 17 goals and 8 assists on 2010 season. Also place-kicked for Michigan's football team, can kick a football 55 yards. 40 starts in his two seasons at Michigan.

In Justin's words:

This is a dream come true," Meram told MGoBlue.com. "I have been looking forward to this day for a very long time, and I want to thank my team back at Michigan because I love them and without them none of this would have been possible for me."

Positions: Forward, left or right side can use both feet well.

Crewture's Perspective: Meram in my opinion is a straight up baller. Few in college can do the assist he had at Valpo or just destroy Penn State like he did in the Big Ten tournament (videos below).

I liked Lenhart, but I'm totally behind the move with seeing what this Meram kid has. Meram might just end up being the most popular Wolverine in Columbus, Ohio. As Warzycha said here:

"If Meram wasn't available, we wouldn't have done it," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. "But we liked his determination. He can shoot and he's a good finisher. He's very active in front of the net which is something we definitely needed."

Videos:

Grade: A+ plus, no doubt in my mind that this kid can lend something to the Crew. Not next year, but right away. Like his speed, his control. Great pick.

Cole Grossman
From: Duke University
Stats: Played in 70 plus games for Duke, 8 goals and 10 assists in 2009 and 10 goals and 8 assists in 2010. All ACC-First Team in 2010.

Take on Grossman:
Cole Grossman is a mature player who is not far away from contributing and could help ease the loss of Brian Carroll. -MLSSoccer.com's Sanghini

Crewture's Perspective: Another four year starter similiar to Balchan who should be able to handle the step up. Good at linking up the defense to the attack, good passer, and good ball skills.
Grade: B-, not much out there video-wise on Grossman. I guess we will have to wait and see. The Crew will be hoping he can be Carroll (version 2008) if so, A++.

Bernardo Anor leaping over none other than Robert Warzycha's son, Konrad Warzycha, this past season.

Bernardo Anor
From: University of South Florida
Stats: Scored around 6 to 8 goals a season for USF, ended his career with 21 goals. U-20 Venezuelan international.

Crewture's Perspective: U-20 international that late in the draft can never be a bad thing. Adds depth on the wings.

Grade: B+, someone involved in a U-15 to U-20 probably has some good skill. Gives Renteria someone from his country as a teammate.. Only thing was Joao Plata went 49, right after Anor, and I was kind of intrigued by Plata.

Overall Draft Grade: B+, overall much better than last year. Crew only got value out of Duka in 2009, could possibly get value out of three of these players this year. If lucky, all four.

1/10/2011: Draft- Crew Expected To Draft Akron's Nanchoff In The 1st Round, Warzycha's Son Solid Later Selection

2011-01-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

Michael Nanchoff, 15 goals and 22 assists in his career at Akron University, has been picked in the mock MLS drafts of websites, such as Soccer By Ives and many other guessers, as the most likely pick for the Crew at the first round- twelfth spot.

However, guessing what is going to happen before a MLS Draft occurs, is like Charlie Sheen on Wall Street, judging stocks, without Gordon Geecko's cheating hand their for assistance. Overall, judging the MLS Draft is about as easy as judging stocks. No one can usually guess one pick in a row, let alone two in a MLS Draft. Likewise, Charlie Sheen couldn't discover a good stock, if good stocks were an ocean and he was on a boat surrounded by them in that movie.

And, a Mock Draft (like the financial projections) is usually crummy at picking out how everything will line up. A Mock Draft might be right on the first pick or here or there, but after that it's usually wrong... Unless Ives or other Mock Drafters are following coaches around and screening their phone calls. :-)

One doesn't have to go far in the history books to see the unpredictability of the whole MLS Draft, take for example the Crew's 2010 draft. Everyone nailed Dilly Duka as the Crew's pick at no. 8, but then everyone predicted the Crew were going to go with Akron's Blair Gavin at no. 12; It was a sure thing.

But, the Crew went the less-expected route and picked some fellow named Bright Dike (right up there in footie names with Frank Awanka, Roberto López Ufarte, Dean Windass, Harry Daft, and Johnny Moustache). Then the Crew didn't listen to their inner soccer shakra on Dike and cut him, just to find out 10 goals in 23 games later (for the Portland Timbers) that they may have been right in the first place with Dike.

So, anyways, I'm hoping the Crew save us that yo-yoing and any surprises this draft year. And, instead, listen to Ives and draft Nanchoff because I think he would be a solid player. Nanchoff has the ability to start games as a rookie, which could help our depth; as well as our ability to trade one of our midfielders for our other needs.

Nanchoff, is Schelotto-like as a dimunitive player, that gets up and down the wing well and has a strong, accurate cross. Nanchoff's accurate cross is seen twice in the below video, first in a goal scoring opportunity not converted and then in a game winning assist against Michigan in the NCAA Semifinal. Nanchoff also scored the game winner against Indiana University in the NCAA Playoff's Round of 16 this year:

Nanchoff at #12 in Ives Mock Draft, is expected to be the 6th Akron player picked in the draft at that point! Defender Perry Kitchen (1st pick), Forward Darlington Nagbe (2nd pick), Defender Kofi Sarkodie (4th pick), Defender Zarek Valentin (5th pick), Midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong (10th pick) are all expected to go first. So, twelve picks in, six of the picks will be from Akron and the other six will represent the other 120 or so NCAA Division-1 programs.

It's fully deserved by Akron University. I seen Akron firsthand twice this season (being less than an hour and a half away from me, compared to the Crew at the moment who are 3 and a 1/2 from me). I saw them beat Michigan 7-1 on October 19th, where you got a real range of their talent and all of these weapons (video below). Wasn't a shabby game to choose- Kofie Sarkodie and Darlington Nagbe looked like real monsters in that game. And I also went to the 3-2 NCAA Tournament Second Round win against West Virginia on November 21st. I also caught about six games on Sportstime Ohio throughout the season.

From those games I can say I admire Nanchoff's workrate and there is no reason coming from the team that he came from, that Nanchoff couldn't pick up where he left off with the Crew. Nanchoff is probably a better crosser of the ball than Gaven or Rogers, not what neither is truly known for, and could find himself on the left wing with Gaven slotting central.

Nanchoff also has a great family pedigree when it comes to footie. His dad George Nanchoff played 70 games in the old NASL at the height of his career and was capped 10 times for the U.S. National team including a goal. Nanchoff Sr. and his brother Georgie both played at Akron University and both were capped by the U.S. National team at the same time in the 70's. Nanchoff Sr. currently is a co-owner and head coach for the PDL Cleveland Internationals. I also have been at the Internationals home field when I worked with the Dutch Lions in a 2-2 tie in June, Akron's Darlington Nagbe was on the roster but did not play in that game.

Michael Nanchoff's brother and sister also play Division-1 college soccer at Dayton and Duquesne respectively.

George Nanchoff, after his NASL days, with the indoor Phoenix Inferno where Nanchoff scored 42 goals in 37 games.

With adding Nanchoff the Crew would have a formidable and young midfield to choose from, with possible selection problems that any manager would love to have. As the Crew would have Robbie Rogers, Eddie Gaven, Emmanuel Ekpo, Dilly Duka, and Michael Nanchoff to choose from (and quite possibly Leandre Griffit who I think can make an impact over a full season).

Heck, they mise well add Robert Warzycha's son, Konrad Warzycha, to the mix. Not expected to go in the first two rounds by Ives, Konrad would make sense as a third round pick for the Crew (with 8 goals this season and a Big Ten First Team honor in 2010). From what I have seen and saw Konrad seems like a good player with a good head on him. VIDEO BELOW OF KONRAD AT MLS COMBINE:

Introducing Konrad Warzycha from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

In fact, if I was the Crew I would just sign midfielders because that's the only position usually deep in the draft. At forward and striker there are no sure things past the first five or six picks in the draft.

Then if enough of the younger players step up in midfield, you may have the possibility of trading one of your midfielders for a sure thing striker or defender at another team.

But, I expect since I wrote all of this, the Crew are not even interested in Nanchoff and will go with a bit of a head-scratcher like their last twelfth pick (Bright Dike) in the 2010 draft.

Here's what I see currently for the Crew and where they need depth going into this draft and offseason (italicized in need of depth or help):

--------------Mendoza----------Renteria-----------------
Subs: Lenhart, Heinemann

It's unlikely that both Mendoza and Renteria step up in 2011. Were going to need one more striker who can score over 10-15 goals a year. FOR ONCE!

Overall at forward: Could be better, but not horrible. If the Crew can sign one more striker that can actually bag goals consistently for them (Herrera 2.0 lol) then the Crew would have a nice strike force.. They need one out and out goalscorer, which would balance well with their two dangerous South Americans (Renteria and Mendoza) with moments of brillance and flair but not enough of them, and then Lenhart and Heinemann who can come in and be your danger men on headers (as well as your bruisers, guys that can also hold the ball well for you).

Rogers------------------Gaven------------------------Ekpo
-----------------------O'Rourke--------------------------

Subs: Duka, possibly Nanchoff, possibly Griffit, Renteria has also been known to play right mid.. Burns, although I don't see Burns as a starting DM.

Overall at midfield: The most solid part of the team. Duka is going to be a strong player in the future, as Duka reminded me a lot of Schelotto in certain ways when he did get on a field in 2010. Ekpo, Gaven, Rogers are all young players with tons of experience from 2008 to 2010 with the Crew.

Add a player like Nanchoff and maybe someone like Warzycha, and there's a lot of young talent there and players who can play different positions.

However, I WANT O'ROURKE out of the midfield and back in central defense with Marshall, that's why I put the DM position as shaky. Because I just do not trust Iro enough in central defense. I think we need to sign a defensive midfielder, but I don't think your going to find one that can start from day one in 2011 in this draft at our picks.

That's why it might of been a bit dumb to part with Carroll, especially since he was like 30 and not 36. I think that was overkill by the Crew in clearing house, especially if they have no one in mind.

The Crew's backline is just much stronger with O'Rourke back there with Marshall.

Francis------------Iro-----------Marshall-------------Miranda

Overall on defense: Were in trouble here in my opinion currently but then again I doubt were going to find anyone who can start from day one in this draft at our picks.

I mean Francis and Iro can do a serviceable job at times, but there not the 2008 backline in their prime of:

Padula--------------O'Rourke-------------Marshall------------Hejduk

I loved that backline then.

I'm just not sold yet on Francis's and Iro's body of work.

And who knows about Miranda, whether he will be a rock or only serviceable. His 3 years as a captain and the memory of Marcos Gonzalez make that signing seem positive. But, after Sergio Herrera last season, I want to actually see him make it on the field before I judge.

------------------------------Hesmer--------------------------------

Think were fine in goalkeep with Hesmer and Greunebaum, although I wouldn't be upset if Friedel came back and took over (especially for leadership since the Crew really have no one, except possibly Marshall who I could see stepping up and leading this team at the moment).

So, overall I think the Crew need in 2011:
A high caliber starting left back
A high caliber or at least better center back
Or move O'Rourke to center back and sign a higher caliber DM
And a striker for once who can score over 10 to 15 goals, to go along with our current strikers

If we can land a solid LB, CB, and ST in the transfer market...

or a solid LB, DM, and ST in the transfer market...

Then I think we will be okay. I also think we should just stock up on midfielders in this draft, as possible tradebait, if need be for one of those other positions.. If the Crew do not have the cap room to just buy all three positions on the transfer market.

1/6/2011: Crew Sign Striker Tommy Heinemann

2011-01-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Crew have signed Tommy Heinemann, a tall 6'4 striker that is good with his head and who impressed at 3rd Division Charleston Battery and 2nd Division Carolina Railhawks last season. Heinemann scored a total of 14 goals last season for the two clubs and also had a half dozen assists to go along with that.

The Crew did invite Heinemann to their preseason camp in 2009 and Heinemann stayed for nearly the duration, before the Crew decided to pass on the striker. However, after Heinemann decided to score 14 goals in the USL and NASL during the 2010 season, the Crew apparently didn't want to lose out on another goalscorer (like they did with Bright Dike). So, the Crew realized their mistake and snatched Heinemann back up today.

Heinemann and Dike both excelled in the Second Division in 2010 after the Crew passed on them. Dike was a first round draft pick for the Crew in 2010, that the Crew cut halfway through preseason. Dike went on to score 10 goals in 23 games for the Second Division Portland Timbers in 2010. The Timbers have kept Dike after being promoted to MLS in 2011.

Likewise Heinemann did four better than Dike, scoring 14 goals in 2010.. While Crew players that were kept over Heinemann and Dike, such as Sergio Herrera and Jason Garey, never or rarely ever scored in 2010.

Known for energetic goal celebrations, the 6'4 187 pound Heinemann reminds me a lot of Newcastle United's Andy Carroll (let me know if you think the same):

Heinemann seems to play a lot like Crew fan favorite Steven Lenhart. Which has to make you wonder if there is enough room on the team for both players. However, both have crazy hair, seem a little goofy, and have German surnames so they should get along famously if so.

Heinemann is also 23, about to be 24 so I'm assuming this is the Crew's first under-24 signing, as part of the return of the MLS Reserve League in 2011; As each MLS roster is expanded to 30 spots in 2011, with six spots being taken by players under 24 who do not count against the cap.

If so, looking at the above video I like the signing. Appears to be a quick, tall striker with good ball skills. What are your thoughts?

1/4/2011: MLS Could Solve The Scandanavian (Cunningham, Goodson, Parkhurst) Issue With An Exception Rule

2011-01-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

Former Crew striker Jeff Cunningham has declined to return to the Crew, instead opting to try his luck in Scandanavia.

Cunningham's possible move to Randers F.C. is another chapter in the Scandanavian region's (ever-expanding) incoming transfer book, in relation to MLS players. If such a book was in print, a fitting title would be- How to Become a Popular Employee for American Players Not Keen On MLS Salaries; as over 25 talented American players are on the payroll's of clubs in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

When all could likely have a successful place in MLS.

Cunningham's story is same note, different waltz or Polka or beerhaus tune from Chris Rolfe at Aalborg, Michael Parkhurst at FC Nordsjælland, and Clarence Goodsen at IK Start.

Cunningham's Scandanavian move however has the most in common with the exodus made by Clarence Goodson, another former FC Dallas player who made the frigid move to Scandanavia in 2007.

Since 2008, Goodson has excelled for Tippelegan club IK Start. But, back in the 2007-2008 MLS offseason, Goodson's future was uncertain (like Cunningham's) when Goodson was unlucky enough to find himself stuck in the offseason expansion drafts & re-entry drafts that plague MLS offseasons.

At that time, Goodson (quite possibly annoyed with the dooldrums of 3 or 4 re-entry/expansion/waiver drafts & that no team wanted to pay him the big bucks) probably hypothetically thought, "forget this, I'm trading Dallas for Start, I'm getting my parka, I'm headed to the Norwegian Tippelegan!" And, that began the exodus of such talented MLS players as MLS All-Stars Chris Rolfe (Aalborg) and Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjælland) to the Scandanavian promise land.

The moves by these players are mainly a financial decision, followed secondly by the decision to be in the suburbs of Europe's top leagues. But, overwhelmingly it's a money decision, as let's be serious, none of these players will likely be running out for Bayern or Chelsea anytime soon. So, what it comes down to is that Scandanavia can give these players the payday they think their worth, while the MLS cannot.

For example, let's say Goodson and Cunningham think their worth $200K plus, but MLS teams do not agree in a MLS framework; As MLS teams would have to fit moderately expensive players, such as Goodson and Cunningham, into a $2.4 million dollar salary framework. Both Goodson and Cunningham are good supporting cast players. But, does a MLS club want to spend 10 to 15% percent of your salary on a "good, supporting cast player" when you have to field a team with 10 other players?

The answer is usually no. The only time in MLS you (if you were a GM) want to pay more than $200K for a player- is if that player is a gamechanger or if he's a bigger name who will push the club's merchandise meter and gain your club more attention.. Goodson's a non-flashy defender, Cunningham can change the occasional game but not like he used to. Both have great worth in MLS on the field, but just don't pass the ball as nicely on a MLS budget.

So Goodson in 2007, just like Cunningham in 2010, were deemed surplus to F.C. Dallas mainly because of their pricetags. So, in swoops the Aalborg's and your IK Start's who think $200K to $400K salary is bargain shopping for a Clarence Goodson. IK Start alone found two gems in MLS in Hunter Freeman and Clarence Goodson- that turned their defensive woes around and got the club promoted and then in the top half of the Norwegian Tippelegan.

It's not that Goodson didn't have talent while in MLS either. F.C. Dallas and other MLS teams would like to hang onto players like Goodson and their second all-time leading goalscorer Cunningham; as both are better than the $50K players, straight out of college, likely asked to step up and replace them. But, F.C. Dallas didn't want to pay $150,000 for a defender in Goodson nor did they want to pay upwards of $200,000 for an aging striker in Cunningham, that's too much for a supporting cast member in a $2.4 million dollar payroll.

So, in December 2010 when the Crew gained Cunningham's rights through a second re-entry draft (after an expansion draft for new clubs Portland and Vancouver and a first re-entry draft for waived players) and the Crew weren't willing to pay $200 K to Cunningham, just like FC Dallas was no longer willing to pay $200 K for the 34 year old Cunningham's services; It came as no real surprise to Crew management or Crew fans that Cunningham gave a kind "stick that offer where the sun doesn't shine."

Bliss on the Cunningham offer to The Columbus Dispatch:

"I don't want to say it was on a whim, but if we can't come to an agreement, we're OK with that," Bliss said. "We thought, 'He's available, so let's see if we can't get something done.'"

Basically, let's see if Cunningham wants to play for us for one year at $75K. Real surprise Jeffro (as Cunningham is called) hopped on the first jet to Scandanavia.

"We made an offer that was rejected and he made a counterproposal that was a
bit far-fetched," Crew technical director Brian Bliss said. "That was the last
conversation we had."

Having Cunningham (with his 11 goals this season, and 28 total over the last two seasons) sure would of been a nice option for the Crew in 2011. It beats calling on Lenhart or Garey's four or five goals a season. But, then again, the Crew weren't going to offer a 34-year-old $200 K when they just cut all their 35 year old's (and up club) making $200 K plus.

For Goodson, his Scandanavian journey has worked out quite well since 2007. Goodson has had 63 appearances and 10 goals for IK Start of the Norwegian First Division (Tippeligaen); Goodson has also played an intrical role in taking IK from the Second Division in Norway to an 8th place finish in 2010. His play has been awarded with a transfer this January to Danish top club Brondby IF.

Cunningham appears now headed to Denmark as well, as Cunningham is currently on trial with Danish mid-table club Randers F.C.; It wouldn't be a surprise if the career-long MLS goalscorer, who gave so much to MLS, impresses Randers and gets his $200 K contract, hell I wouldn't be surprised if that's doubled.

You can add him and Goodson to other American players who have elected Scandanavia (leagues not overly superior to MLS) over MLS like Chris Rolfe, Hunter Freeman, Michael Parkhurst, Marcus Tracy, Ryan Miller, Benny Feilhaber, and over 20 other American players who play in Scandanavia.

I think as MLS expands and in turn expands their salary cap they should do something to keep players (such as Cunningham, Parkhurst, Goodson, Rolfe, Freeman, Tracy) in MLS by establishing a Supporting Player Rule, similiar to the DP rule already in MLS. The rule being in the frame of each team receiving 2 Supporter Player spots, where these players can make 200-350 k but only cost 75K-100K on the salary cap.

Because a lot of these players would lift the level of MLS teams and lift the overall level of skilled players in MLS.. And may keep a few players who should never see an MLS field on a MLS bench.

I believe this has to be the next step after the DP rule and the new Reserve league rules (of 6 players 24 and under that do not count against the salary cap). As when the league expands to a $2.7 to $3 million dollar salary cap, this supporting player (or supporting DP player) rule should be in place.

Especilly since players like Rolfe, Parkhurst, and especially Cunningham have brought MLS fans a lot more thrills and joy, and also played a lot better in MLS than Ljuenberg and some other failed DP's ever did. Cunningham's agent Jan Schiefloe makes a good case for MLS teams to want to keep Cunningham in MLS:

“I am quite surprised that more MLS teams haven't pursued Jeff. In the last two years, he's scored 28 goals, which is second in MLS after Conor Casey (29). I see many MLS teams looking near and far for a proven goalscorer, and time and time again pay big money for players who don't produce, while Jeff, who is proven over 13 seasons in MLS, can be signed now at a relative bargain.”

A supporting player rule would lead to a lot of MLS teams breaking down Jeff's door, but at the moment MLS clubs have cold feet and smell a dip in form coming for Cunningham (because of his age, not starting, and dropping down from 17 goals to 11 last season). Not that 11 is anything to sniff at in MLS. But, it's hard for a lot of teams to shell $200 K to $300 k for a 34 year-old player that might reproduce that form over the next two years or may be injured the next two years and score 2 goals a season.

Further, another worry, in the wrong system Cunningham could revert to his form at Toronto F.C. where he had only 6 goals in 32 games.

So, there has to be more incentive for MLS players to hold onto players like Rolfe, Parkhurst, Cunningham, and Goodson... Especially when players like Rolfe and Parkhurst are 100% percent guarentee's not to let a MLS team down. But, it's not going to happen unless these players are holding down Scandanavian type salaries and are being paid at least $200 K to $300 K for their services.

Goodson celebrates a goal for IK Start, the American has not only been a defensive rock for the Norwegian side but also a set piece heading terror, scoring a goal for the club in every six outings.

1/2/2011: Chilean Attacker Eduardo Rubio To Join Teammate Sebastian Miranda In Columbus?

2011-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

After the Crew were eliminated from the playoffs by eventual MLS Champions for the second year in a row, both times in the first-round (RSL in 2009, Rapids in 2010); it was reported that Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss headed back to South America on multiple scouting trips to unearth new, younger talent. Bliss headed to South America days after the Crew were eliminated as he knew what was upcoming.. As days later the exodus of fan-favorite veterans such as Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Frankie Hejduk, Gino Padula, and Duncan Oughton were dropped from the club. Head coach Robert Warzycha stated the old guard (all 35 or older- or in the case of Padula close to it) needed to be replaced by younger (faster) talent; as what achieved the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield in 2008 wasn't cutting it in 2010. By mid-December 2010, Bliss told The Columbus Dispatch that the Crew were close to signing a South American striker and defender to hopefully fill those holes.

Before the new year, the Crew confirmed the signing of Chilean First Division right back Sebastian Miranda, who was the Captain of Union Espana (of Chile) for the previous three seasons. This made it clear that Bliss did a good chunk of his scouting in the 2010-2011 offseason in Chile, especially at Copa Liberatdores participants Union Espanola. Nonsurprisingly, it appears that the "South American striker" stated by Bliss to be acquired with a new South American defender, also is from Chile and played on the same team as Sebastian Miranda.

That player appears to be Eduardo Rubio.

The 27 year old Rubio had his best years with top Chilean club Universidad Catolica (also the current club of former Crew defender Marcos Gonzalez) from 2002-2006- where Rubio made 115 appearances scoring 25 goals. Rubio's success in Chile lifted him to bigger clubs, such as Cruz Azul in Mexico and FC Basel in Switzerland, but Rubio couldn't consistently keep his spot and was in a soccer wilderness from 2006-2009. In 2010, Rubio returned to Chile and joined up with Sebastian Miranda's Union Espanola, starting in nearly half of their overall games. Now it appears Rubio (13 caps and 4 goals with Chile's NT team), along with possibly his younger brother, are headed stateside.

Rubio scores a good goal here at 1:46 (especially check out the close replay at 1:56):

That is according to many sources in South America- such as Terra and La Cuarta, as well as Blog de MLS, and MLS-Rumors. And, since Bliss stated he was working on signing a South American attack-minded player along with Miranda, there's a good chance that Bliss wants to bring in Eduardo Rubio as well or at least passed Rubio and his brother on to other MLS scouts (as good possibilities for MLS).

What makes Rubio another possibility is that another Chilean website TodoFutbol.CL placed Rubio as gone with Miranda to Columbus:

GONE: Luis Marin (O'Higgins), Mario Aravena (U. La Calera), Jorge Ampuero (U. La Calera), Raúl Estévez, Miguel Aceval (a U.de Conce), Gustavo Canales (to "U"), Francisco Nájera (Once Caldas), Nicolás Núñez, Roberto Orders, Eduardo Rubio and Sebastian Miranda (the U.S. Columbus Crew)

Crewture's Take: If Rubio is joining Miranda, I would think it would help with Miranda's transition to Columbus. Also, at 27, you got to like the experience of Rubio. It would also be nice to bring Rubio's younger brother in with him as well. Would be a nice group of creative acquisitions and I like how the Chilean's play, both in the World Cup in 2008 and what I saw out of Gonzalez here in Columbus back in 2006.

Chileans seem to be a stronger, tougher group of South Americans which makes for an easier transition into MLS.

12/27/2010: Crew Sign Miranda, CONFIRMED By Crew and Chilean Press

2010-12-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

We first reported here at Crewture that Chilean defender Sebastian Miranda was confirmed and signed by the Crew according to the Chilean press. Our source was, Toto Futbol Chile with the following story, Union ran out Captain:

The defender Sebastian Miranda, even though José Luis Sierra wanted at all costs by 2011, he received an offer from the Columbus Crew of the United States that he could not refuse.

SANTIAGO .- Although José Luis Sierra requested priority, Sebastian Miranda decided to set his bags and travel to the U.S. to sign with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 30-year-old ended contract with Spanish Union and leave the club primarily for economic reasons, while not ruling out return to Hispanics.

Radio Speaking to DNA, Miranda said he was "very grateful to the Union, have made a great effort for me to stay. In that sense, I have only words of thanks to Mr. George (Segovia) and especially to the Coto (Sierra), he has been very supportive in this. It has therefore not been an easy decision. "

The defender, who also has steps on Catholic University and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, provides an important challenge in his new team, and will play Champions League CONCACAF 2010-2011.

This confirmation beat out the rumors by MLS-Rumors and
Crew Xtra who wrote a blurb about the signing after Christmas, when the Crew finally confirmed the signing of Sebastian Miranda.

12/25/2010: Chile Press- Miranda Headed To Columbus, Despite Being Wanted By His Chilean Club. Columbus Offer Too Good To Pass Up

2010-12-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

Interesting new article on Miranda from Toto Futbol Chile entitled Union ran out Captain:

The defender Sebastian Miranda, even though José Luis Sierra wanted at all costs by 2011, he received an offer from the Columbus Crew of the United States that he could not refuse.

SANTIAGO .- Although José Luis Sierra requested priority, Sebastian Miranda decided to set his bags and travel to the U.S. to sign with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 30-year-old ended contract with Spanish Union and leave the club primarily for economic reasons, while not ruling out return to Hispanics.

Radio Speaking to DNA, Miranda said he was "very grateful to the Union, have made a great effort for me to stay. In that sense, I have only words of thanks to Mr. George (Segovia) and especially to the Coto (Sierra), he has been very supportive in this. It has therefore not been an easy decision. "

The defender, who also has steps on Catholic University and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, provides an important challenge in his new team, and will play Champions League CONCACAF 2010-2011.

It seems fairly certian that Chilean Sebastian Miranda will be the Columbus Crew's new starting right back. If he's as good as our last Chilean defender, Marcos Gonzalez, it will be a great deal.

12/23/2010: Rogers On Vacation With Guillermo In La Plata, Argentina

2010-12-24T00:42:00.000-08:00

Robbie Rogers and Guillermo out on the town in Argentina.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto may have left the Crew, but he has made lifelong friendships with players such as Robbie Rogers and Steven Lenhart who have both made multiple trips to Argentina to visit Guillermo in the last two offseasons. Further, if Guillermo ever finds life too hectic back in football crazed Argentina, I'm sure he is always welcomed back in Columbus- well, by the fans and players at least. As "Mi casa, your casa," is surely what any Crew fan or player would say to the legend GBS.

Rogers, in fact, just wrapped up another trip to Argentina today where he visited Schelotto for a week in Argentina.

In this video, Rogers jokes around with Guillermo's brother, Gustavo Barros Schelotto, who also played for Gimnasia and Boca with Guillermo:

Also, there are plenty of talks of Guillermo possibly headed back (YES.. Back) to Gimnasia La Plata of the Primera Division in Argentina. His former teammate Robbie Rogers might of let it slip on his twitter by saying:

"I think Gimnasia have a pretty good chance. I'm predicting a championship."

You can check out more videos and commentary on Rogers trip with Guillermo on the well done RobbieRogers.com. Props there as not many players have such a good website/blog, video, and twitter setup. First time I actually ran across it, will have to check it out more.

And man check out some of the calente Argentinian girls in some of the other videos on Rogers videos from Argentina, I guess from Guillermo's posse? Woo, pays to be close to the legend.

12/22/2010: Crew Interested In Chilean Right Back Miranda, Having Trouble Signing Cunningham

2010-12-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Apparently the South American defender that Bliss will be offering a contract to (as a pairing along with a South American midfielder) has been identified. According to a Chilean news report that player is 30-year-old, Union Espanola player Sebastian Miranda.

Miranda, who is captain of Union Espanola, stated the following about the Crew's proposal:
The proposal is attractive not only in the standard of living and economy, but also in the football, ” he said

The acquistion makes sense since Sebastian Miranda main position is right back. Miranda played 30 games for Union Espanola last season as Captain of the club.

Miranda could also be a body double for Guillermo with his 5'8 height and 154 pound frame.

Here's a feature on Miranda:

**Also, according to Crewxtra, the Crew are hitting a snag in negotiations with new possible acquistions Jeff Cunningham and Aaron Hohlbein.

12/16/2010: Two South American Arrivals From Ecuador?

2010-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Bliss said he was in talks with two South American impact players and apparently a day later two Ecuadoran players have reached a loan deal with MLS. Seems like a fit right?

From the Blog, Futbol de MLS:
The President of Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito, Rodrigo Paz, confirmed that Marlon Ganchozo and Victor Estupiñán have reached a one-year loan deal with Major League Soccer. However, the MLS team that will be using the players is not known from the most important leader of the club.

No word on which team the players will arrive for, yet there is speculation that the Columbus Crew might be a feasible target. The club slipped in a recent article that the team is in talks with "two major South American players."

Both players are young and of high technical quality. Estupiñán is 22 and plays as a striker, while Ganchozo is only 19 years old and plays as a midfielder. The League intends to sell them on loan to show how important the players of LDU Quito are at the institution, and not simply trying to discard them. The reality is that the team has a staff of 40 professionals, and will surely be trying to lower that number.

However, not sure if I would consider Ganchozo and Estupinan high impact players. Estupinan is a 22 year old striker with only 18 appearances and 2 goals since 2006. While Marlon Ganchoso seems like a nicer prospect, as the 19 year old midfielder made 25 appearances for LDU Quito in 2010 with 1 goal. However, those appearances were in the fleeting minutes of games as Ganchoso only played 356 minutes.

If one turns out to be a Javier Morales though it will be well worth it.

Nevertheless, the positions of these two players "Forward and Midfield" does not match Brian Bliss's description of the two players he was after which is "Midfield and Defender." Would make sense though in the Crew's pursuit of younger, faster players.. Much more sense than the recent acquistion of Jeff Cunningham.

12/16/2010: Jeff Cunningham Back In Columbus

2010-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

12/16/2010: Jeff Cunningham Back In Columbus

The Columbus Crew haven't wasted much time replacing Crew fan favorites- Schelotto and Hejduk- with another Crew fan favorite, the 34-year-old Jeff Cunningham. Cunningham is one of the Crew's highest scorers in their history, with 62 goals in 182 appearances from 1998-2004. And I'm betting that the Crew faithful won't mind if "Jeffro" came back and added to that goal tally in 2011.

Cunningham's return might be in another role nevetheless according to Crew technical director Brian Bliss; As Bliss said that the club sees "Jeffro" at his age as a "super sub" and/or "spot starter." Therefore, the Crew's offer to Cunningham will be less than what he has previously made.

This is despite the Jamaican having 28 goals in the past two MLS seasons with F.C. Dallas. A sort of striking production (28 goals in 55 games, only 36 of those games starts) that the Crew would have killed for these past two seasons. As in comparison, the best any other Crew striker could muster in the last two seasons was 9 goals total from Steven Lenhart.

Therefore, there really isn't any reason not to think that Cunningham wouldn't be in the mix to be a starting striker in 2011. Especially, if Lenhart, Renteria, and Mendoza cannot score on a regular clip per usual.

So I think Bliss's lingo is slightly posturing for a moderate contract for Cunningham; as the reason why F.C. Dallas parted ways with Cunningham was because his contract was way too high. However, Bliss and the Crew are well within their rights in terms of asking for a moderate contract; as every year Cunningham may lose a step and who knows if Cunningham will bring his Dallas form to Columbus or revert back to his Toronto F.C. form (6 goals in 32 games). There's always a risk that Cunningham won't fit into the new Crew as well as he fit into the old Crew.

However, I don't see that happening. Crew manager Robert Warzycha is making this his team, like it or not, and Cunningham can definitely work with Warzycha. Warzycha, a Crew midfielder from 1998-2002, feed Cunningham on a lot of his early career goals from 1998 to 2002. Therefore, Warzycha knows what type of players can help Cunningham produce and get back to his old Columbus days, and keep his recent F.C. Dallas form.

Overall, I like the move. I for one am looking forward to Cunningham running over to the Nordecke. Welcome back to Columbus, Jeffro!

Cunningham doing his thing-

12/14/2010: Say What? Brunner Compares Hometown Atmosphere To Portland's

2010-12-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Former Crew player Eric Brunner had this to say at his introduction in Portland:
"Columbus had a good atmosphere, but I think this is going to be even better," said Brunner, who played for the Columbus Crew last season.

The Timbers have a Columbus feel to them. They signed two Crew players, Adam Moffat and Eric Brunner, in the expansion draft. Additionally, the Timbers gave the Crew's first round pick, Bright Dike, a second chance after the Crew cut the player in preseason.

The Crew, who had scoring woes up top in 2010, might of done well to go with their first thoughts on Dike by keeping him on their roster. Dike scored 10 goals in 23 games for the Portland Timbers in 2010 (highlights below).

The best any Crew striker could muster in 2010 was six.

12/14/2010: Ghanaian Coach Leonard Moffatt Set As Crew Goalkeeper Coach?

2010-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Deciding to make the Ghanaian Moffatt or possibly even Brad Friedel player/goalkeeping coach, either rumor seems to mean that current Crew goalkeeping coach Vadim Kirillov (right) is on his way out.

12/14/2010: Ghanaian Coach Leonard Moffatt Set As Crew Goalkeeper Coach?

One Moffat Leaves, Another Moffatt Joins.

Ghanaian coach Leonard Moffatt will join the Columbus Crew coaching staff as a promotion from inside the organization according to GhanaWeb and many African sources. Here is the exact words from Ghana Web:

After spearheading Columbus Soccer Academy to place second in this season’s Youth Soccer League in Columbus, Ohio. Coach Moffatt, has earned himself a ticket to join the technical coaching staff of Columbus based MLS side, Columbus Crew after impressing the club officials. After consistent monitoring upon recommendation by a scout, the Ghanaian trainer has impressed officials and he will be joining the technical team as the club’s goalkeeper’s trainer, as officials seek to sharpen the goalkeeping department of the club. However, information gathered by this writer has it that Leonard Moffatt’s appointment has not yet been made permanent as officials require that he is put on probation for some weeks to be monitored.

Should his appointment be made permanent, then he will be the first Ghanaian trainer to work in the MLS.

If this is true it will likely put the Friedel rumor of signing as a goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach to bed. While either rumor seems to likely mean that current goalkeeping coach Vadim Kirillov is on his way out.

Dispatch article on the Russian Kirillov here. It seems that Hesmer and Kirillov had a good repetiore, Hesmer joked with Kirillov about Putin. Sadly, if true Hesmer couldn't rib Kirillov on Putin's singing debut.

Then again the article isn't clear possibly the Crew are adding Moffatt as an assistant to Kirillov.

12/13/2010: Gimnasia Wants Schelotto To Bolster Squad

2010-12-13T01:15:00.000-08:00

A family affair, Guillermo (right) started his career with 181 appearances for Gimnasia, his brother Gustavo (left) had 144 caps at the same time. Guillermo is likely headed back to Argentina with Gimnasia unless another MLS team makes an eleventh hour bid. Most Crew fans would prefer Guillermo end up back in Argentina then having his Crew image tarnished in a Fire or T.F.C. jersey for example.

12/13/2010: Gimnasia Wants Schelotto To Bolster Squad

With relegation staring them in the face, Argentina's Premier Division side Gimnasia and their new president Horacio Delmar are intent on getting Schelotto in the January window.

In Del Mar's words:

"I have a friendship with Guillermo that goes back many years. He currently
is contracted to the United States league with Columbus Crew, and on December 16 they will tell him what his situation is. We want him back at the club as a player," Delmar told TyC Sports on Tuesday evening.

"If all goes well, we would like him here immediately. Gimnasia must improve their play."

Schelotto started his professional career with Gimnasia La Plata back in 1991, where he scored 45 goals in 181 appearances for the club until Guillermo moved onto Argentine power Boca Juniors in 1998. Guillermo's brother Gustavo also had 144 caps with the club during the same time and Guillermo's father still works with the Argentinian top flight club.

Will miss Guille here at Columbus. Thanks for all you have done and best of luck in Argentina or elsewhere!

12/12/2010: Aston Villa Keeper Brad Friedel Considers Columbus Return

2010-12-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Brad Friedel- One of the best keepers in the English Premier League, could be heading back to Columbus where it all started for him.

12/12/2010: Aston Villa Keeper Brad Friedel Considers Columbus Return

If Robert Warzycha's demolition and rebuild of the 2008 MLS Cup Champion- Columbus Crew- needed an automatic feel good jolt Brad Friedel's John Hancock signature on a Crew contract would be a fantastic start. Such a high profile signing would get some fans back on Warzycha's side, making them think the coaching staff has a clue. And according to multiple reports Friedel is considering a player-coach contract offer from the Columbus Crew after new contract talks with Aston Villa have halted.

With fan-favorite Guillermo Barros Schelotto on his way out, the Crew could use a veteran leader in their team come Champions League time and there would be no better leader than talisman Friedel; as the Crew could have used a more vocal leader that spoke like this to the press in 2010:

Freidel on Aston Villa's recent form~

"You have to get up for these games, if you don't you really will get
found out," said Friedel.

"It's down to us as players to get our heads up to be confident and win football matches.

"It's not down to a lot of the talking off the pitch now especially when you're on a bad run of form. It's down to us as players to get our heads up to be confident and win football matches.

"You have to do it on the field, all the talking off the field is all well and good but you have to be able to go on there and put a performance in.

"We've been on a terrible run of results. Some of our form hasn't been as bad as the results suggest, but some games have.

"We've had a tremendous amount of injuries but, saying that, the young lads have performed very good at times. It's difficult when you're young, trying to get consistent runs against a lot of good players in the Premier League."

My one big criticism of Frankie Hejduk and Guillermo Barros Schelotto (and the other vets) in 2010 (and why they might be with us no longer) is where was this in the Columbus Dispatch, or other press? Where was the "what the f**k are we doing?" as the Crew continued to slide from their summit of a possible treble in the Summer to letting one possible accolade after another slip away as the season went on. Did they really care? It didn't seem like they cared as they did in 2008 (when they always found a way with their grit and determination), caring didn't show in their play as much in 2010.

Friedel would be a more vocal leader. He wouldn't of let that lackluster play slide for four or five months. Someone has to give a pep talk, instead of the feeling I got from the Crew in 2010, a lackadasical "we already won a cup, two supporters shields, this is MLS, we can get by with giving 75% percent and the fans won't hold our feet to the fire at the end of the season."

And even though Warzycha wants to be younger and quicker in 2011, the good thing about adding Friedel is that he can't slow down your attack in net. And in actuality Friedel's distribution will kick start many attacks. There is no doubt with Friedel that the Crew would upgrade from about the 5th-7th best keeper in MLS to having the best keeper in MLS.

Additionally, one of the foretold rules of football is to rebuild from the back, minus perhaps Dutch and Brazilian football. And one could say that the Crew defense in 2010 looked shaky. The Crew defense, which will be much younger including new signing Hohlbein, could use someone as vocal as Friedel to settle it down in 2011.

Let's just say the Crew need to infuse some veteran players into this club that care deeply about the Crew (Friedel, possibly Stern John). Not to say the previous veterans did not, they just lost something in 2010. Maybe some nonchalance kicks in after already winning and achieving it all.

But, Warzycha is going to need some knowledgeable, coolheaded veterans to lead this group of focus here, focus there players (such as Mendoza, Rogers, Ekpo, and nearly most of the Crew roster other than Marshall and O'Rourke). As a lot of these players have one game where they play out of their minds and they disappear for the next five to ten games.

Stern John always talks about coming back... And although a week ago Crew Techinical Director Brian Bliss said he hasn't talked to Friedel this offseason, he has said Friedel has asked multiple times if a return was possible the last few years:

"Usually in the transfer window periods he’s called asking, ‘Is there any chance I can get in?’ I think he wants to come home. I don’t know about now, but I can tell you Brad has called, to my knowledge, every July and January or every December the last two years."

If true what the heck are the Crew thinking? The goalkeeper of 6TH PLACE ASTON VILLA OF THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE wants to desperately come home and play for your MLS club. According to this quote, he wants to come back to Columbus over staying in England with Aston Villa. And you say no?

Hesmer is a decent keeper. But, were talking about Brad Friedel here. Who has saved Villa points on many days just from pure heroics. I'm sure if Friedel called Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Toronto F.C., etc. they would have him on the first plane over.

The Crew have to spend some money to compete in this new MLS. They need a veteran leader, someone who can inspire from the back. If New York can have Henry, Marquez, and Angel. We can give Friedel 1/3rd of one of their salaries and another salary as a goalkeeping coach, and still afford to splash on some younger talents in the field.

11/26/2010: Crew Have Half A Roster To Fill After Losing Two More Players To Timbers

2010-11-26T01:20:00.000-08:00

11/26/2010: Crew Have Half A Roster To Fill After Losing Two More Players To Timbers

What do you do when you trade your right back in waiting (Jed Zayner) in midseason, then decline to negotiate with your veteran right back (Frankie Hejduk), and then leave your only other player that has played right back in the last two years -other than those two aforementioned- unprotected in the expansion draft (Eric Brunner)?

Well, if your Brian Bliss, you don't panic without any right backs.

"We've got some work to do, but rebuilding is not the right word to use for what we're doing," Bliss said. "That would imply we're going to take our lumps in the next year or two. I don't think that is going to be the case."

Case or not, with the Timbers electing to go with the Crew's Eric Brunner and Adam Moffat in the expansion draft, Columbus now has half a roster to rebuild; As the Columbus Crew only have 15 players under contract. Therefore, they'll have to fill 50% percent of the locker room with completely new faces next year.

The news on Moffat and Brunner probably goes with a shrug for most Crew fans. Both Moffat and Brunner were helpful over the last few years; however, after the departure of Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Frankie Hejduk and etc. it's hard to meet any other sort of news (other than a DP signing) with any sort of heightened reaction.

Best of luck to both in Portland, not a bad gig as far as going to another club with great fan support and an excellent supporters section.

11/24/2010: Kezman To Columbus?

2010-11-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hey, he looks good in black and yellow right?

The former PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Athletico Madrid, and Fenerbache hitman Mateja Kezman is apparently considering coming to MLS according to this Serbian report. The 31 year old striker has hit a rut in recent years, only compiling 5 goals in 35 appearances for Paris St. Germain and not really showing up too well for Zenit St. Petersburg. So, Mateja must figure he can spark his career by going to MLS and facing off against the Tim Ream's of the world.

Kezman, a Yugoslav striker with 17 goals in 49 appearances for his National side and vast Champions League experience, could likely make some more noise than the current strikers at the Columbus Crew.

But, don't bet on the Crew opening up those kind of purse strings. If NYRB hires Thierry Henry, we might hire Donell Henry. So, I wouldn't bet on it, as knowing Hunt Sports Group and the Crew, if it involves a lot of money it ain't happening. Just look at them dumping Schelotto when they could of likely re-negotiated for around $300,000 a year with the great one.

But, hey still a nice thought. Would at least make it seem like Columbus has some sort of plan.

11/23/2010: Crew Lose Out On Former Trialist Bas Ent, Ent Signs 3 Year Deal With Toronto F.C.

2010-11-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

23 year old Bas Ent impressed MLS clubs Toronto F.C. and the Columbus Crew during his time in America with the Dayton Dutch Lions. Ent trialed for Toronto for a week and played 45 minutes for the Canadian club against EPL side Bolton Wanderers. Then Ent got a week trial with the Crew after impressing in a friendly matchup against the Crew (above). But, apparently Toronto will nab the young Dutch winger over Columbus.

11/23/2010: Crew Lose Out On Former Trialist Bas Ent, Ent Signs 3 Year Deal With Toronto F.C.

Dutch Topklasser League website, Topklasser.nl, which is the league website of Bas Ent's Dutch side, Katwijk, reported today that 23 year old Bas Ent has signed a three year deal with MLS side Toronto F.C.; A popular Dutch soccer website, VoetbalPrimeur.nl, has also picked up the story. Both of these stories confirm what I've personally heard (used to work at DDL F.C.) from a former Dayton Dutch Lions co-worker a week ago, who said that Ent has signed a three year deal with Toronto F.C.

The Columbus Crew battled Toronto F.C. this Summer a little over Bas Ent; as both TFC and Columbus invited Ent to week long trials. Ent had to say the following about his trial this Summer with the Columbus Crew, "I consider this trial as an appreciation for my performance this season. It gives me confidence. The Crew's level is very high, it's obvious that they are the front runners in the MLS by far. In terms of organization you can see this is a very big club. This trial is the icing on my cake."

Nevertheless, it looks as if TFC won the battle or that Warzycha and Bliss didn't rate the Dutch winger as highly as Toronto did. Therefore, Ent will not be a part of the Crew's youth plan, as the Crew have decided to go younger and faster after parting ways with veterans Schelotto, Hejduk, Padula, Oughton, and Carroll. However, Ent shouldn't take it too personal as it's fair to say that the only overwhelmingly positive signing in the last two years for Columbus has been Renteria.

Last month, some Crew fans wondered why the Crew signed Cleveland International player Josh Williams (who rarely played for PDL side Cleveland and had less than spectacular stats in the PDL) over a better known PDL commodity in former Dayton Dutch Lions player Bas Ent. Hopefully that decision, along with many others of the Crew in this last week, doesn't come back to bite them.

Will see in our first game against Toronto in 2011. If Ent torches the inconsistent Shaun Francis and Eric Brunner, there's your answer.

11/23/2010: Columbus Crew Hit The Self-Destruct Button

2010-11-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

11/23/2010: Columbus Crew Hit The Self-Destruct Button

The Crew have had by far one of the most stable lineups in MLS over the last three to four years. That stability of strong players and strong personalities has culminated in two Supporters Shields, two CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals appearances, and one MLS Cup. The stability and success that goes with it may not be anymore however. As this past week the Crew coaching staff and front office have decided to hit the red self-destruct button and blow up their group of leaders and larger-than-life players because of recent disappointments that were not completely the starting eleven's fault.

Crew General Manager Mark McCullers told the Dispatch last week that the current group isn't physical enough and cannot score enough goals. McCullers said, "I think we should have scored at least 10 more goals (in 2010)." But, whose fault is that? If the Crew coaching staff and front office wants more goals then maybe they should get around to actually signing a bonified goalscorer (no Herrera and Mendoza do not count) that Schelotto can actualy feed! Instead of umm, parting ways with a player that played a part in 17 of your goals in 2010. Further, going into 2010 the front office and coaching staff said that a 20 goals a year striker was the missing piece in the Crew's formula, and yet they never solved that problem. In fact, they failed miserably.

Just look at their solutions, Herrera, once described as gelling magically with Schelotto from the start and also described as the guy who will score goals by the boatload in 2010, played a minute in MLS for the Crew before being let go in July. And Mendoza may have scored a few goals for the Crew in 2010, but seems lazy as hell and won't chase after a ball that is more than two feet away from him. Also Mendoza misses quite a few sitters that, for example, could of put the Rapids (the eventual 2010 MLS Champions) away early in these 2010 playoffs.

Further, maybe the actual problem in 2010 was preferring players like Jason Garey and Steven Lenhart for too long up top, when both seem to stumble their way to 5 goals a year; while game changers like Renteria seem to languish on the bench, despite playing well and scoring goals at a clip. As I personally think that if Renteria started all 30 games, he would of scored 10-15 goals in 2010.

Further the disappointments don't just lay with the players, as the decisions of Robert Warzycha have been suspect for most of 2010. For example, in the home playoff game against the Rapids, the Rapids looked done and dusted; but Warzycha took out Ekpo (probably because of yellow, but still should of had some faith) who was playing fantastic and who is surprisingly a pretty good defensive midfielder. As soon as that change was made for Burns and company, the play started to turn in the Rapids favor and they were allowed to find a way back. That was just one of many dubious calls on the year from the bullpen, as the disappointments this year are half (if not more) the coaching staff's fault on this season. Nevertheless, the coaches get off scott free while players who have given a hell of a lot more over the last three years get placed on the chopping block.

Because of the recent cuts, this offseason the Crew will be scrambling to find a new attacking midfielder, a new defensive midfielder, a new right back, possibly a new left back, and of course a striker still that is worth something. Blowing up a stable squad, after a few disappointments, has worked so well in turning around clubs such as the Houston Dynamo and New England Revolution (that strong odor your smelling is sarcasm), so I guess the Crew have decided to go that route as well. Here is what will be gone next year and the upside and downside to these moves.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto- 102 games, 35 goals, 47 assists are gone. The best attacking midfielder in MLS by far over the last three years. Need a painful reminder, here you go:

Upside: None, some cap space to spend on some P.O.S. South American striker.
Downside: Legend is gone, only guy that consistently gets goals and assists yearly; Crew Stadium won't be the same without a Guillermo chant. And really should of let us know it was Guillermo's last game so the fans could at least say goodbye in a special way. Heartbreaking way to cut ties with a guy that has given us soo much.

Brian Carroll- Played 83 out of 90 games in the last three years, was a rock in defensive midfield.
Upside: Wasn't as consistent in 2010, but still one of the best defensive midfielder's in MLS.
Downside: Danny O'Rourke is are only worthwhile DM now. I'm okay with it if it means were going to only play with one DM, but have a feeling this means more playing time for questionably talented players such as Adam Moffat and Kevin Burns. I love the irony of how players like Guillermo and Carroll are being dropped, but players that haven't done crap (like Moffat) since the beginning of 2008 and players that are vastly overrated by Warzycha (Burns) somehow find themselves still on the roster.

One more thing, a second round pick for Brian Carroll! Jesus, at least get a first round pick, Carroll is worth that much as he would start defensive midfield on almost any team.

Frankie Hejduk-
Upside: Some questionable play at times in the past season; but still has a motor and gets down the wing well still.
Downside: His heart is with the Crew, as no one would be surprised if Frankie had Crew tattoo's all over his body. Lots of pride. Hejduk is a fan favorite and has put a lot of sweat in for this team. Also, despite Hejduk's small dip in form, I think the Crew are still going to have a tough time finding someone better at right back next season. Same for Schelotto's and Carroll's positions. As I doubt anyone is really going to just come in and make that position theirs next year?

Gino Padula-
Upside: Getting older, Crew will eventually need an upgrade at left back.
Downside: I still think Padula is better than the jittery Shaun Francis at left back and I'm not convinced Francis is a legitimate starter and replacement yet. I feel like Padula got injured and never got a chance to win back his position in 2010; although Padula looked good this year when he found the field.

Jason Garey-
Upside: Only move I'm totally okay with; as Garey got a free pass with the Crew for far too long, 15 goals in 83 games just isn't really good as a striker. Sure Garey showed flashes, but he was just a decent striker. Time for Garey to sell bonds or become an assistant manager or whatever half decent MLS players do after a short MLS career.
Downside: Bash Brothers two stick will now be irrevelant or worth more on ebay.

Leandre Griffit-
Upside: Not really seeing one, I thought Griffit looked lively when he was on the field in 2010. Crew went through quite a bit to bring him in the squad for nothing.
Downside: Crew are saying they want to go younger, but can't they see a young talent worth some time in the squad in their own roster? Griffit scored in his first four minutes on a MLS field and looked very talented and composed every time he stepped on the field for the Crew in 2010. Also, the only problem with Griffit was that he didn't get many chances to step on the field; while guys like Francis and Burns saw four times the minutes in 2010.

Because of that I'm scared of the coaching staff's thoughts on talent.

Nevertheless, the Crew have said they may restructure with Griffit, and should consider doing so because Griffit will be worth the cheap salary. If not, I'm sure someone in MLS will see Griffit's worth if the Crew don't... And the Crew will pay for it in the end.

Duncan Oughton- With the Crew for 9 years, good locker room guy and has done well off the bench for the Crew in recent years.
Upside: Probably hasn't been worth the salary space at times in the last few years but has done well when he has found the field in recent years.
Downside: Duncan is another heart and soul guy for the Crew. The Crew is losing a lot of heart and pride in their locker room with both Oughton and Frankie Hejduk now gone.

Overall, all I know is that this tranformation better lead to some damn results quick (and by that I mean trophies) or come 2011 some other heads will be on the chopping block and it won't be the players. Clark Hunt will be the one pushing some red buttons.

11/3/2010: Crew Have Easiest Road They'll Likely Ever Have To Club World Cup

2010-11-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Emilio Renteria and the Crew has had some of their best success recently in the Champions League, and the Crew have played well against Mexican side Santos Laguna this season with one win and a tie that wasn't in Mexico due to a Renteria disallowed goal. However, the Crew will be happy to not have to face a Mexican side until the final in the knockout stages.

The Columbus Crew have the easiest route they'll likely ever have to a Concacaf Champions League final and a club goal of playing the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan in a non-friendly competition in the Club World Cup.

The Crew will start off the knockout rounds of the Concacaf Champions League at home between Feb. 22-24 against MLS opponent Real Salt Lake; then face off the following week against RSL in the two game second round series. If the Crew have a better offseason with transactions and training than RSL the Crew will likely get to their first Concacaf Champions League semifinal.

At the Semifinal they'll meet the winner of Olimpia-Saprissa in a two game series in March and April. The Crew got the better of Saprissa in their two games against the Costa Rican club in the 2009 version of the Champions League, beating Saprissa twice. Further, Saprissa is likely to be the favorite in that series against Olimpia. The Crew will feel very confident going up against Saprissa again.

A win against Saprissa and they'll face off against a Mexican team in a two game final where Columbus will have to play the series of their lives to book the first Club World Cup appearance for a MLS team.

Quarterfinals
First Leg
February 22-24
Toluca (MEX) vs. Monterrey (MEX)
Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Santos Laguna (MEX)
Columbus Crew (USA) vs. Real Salt Lake (USA)
Saprissa (CRC) vs. Olimpia (HON)
Second Leg
March 1-3
Monterrey (MEX) vs. Toluca (MEX)
Santos Laguna (MEX) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX)
Real Salt Lake (USA) vs. Columbus Crew (USA)
Olimpia (HON) vs. Saprissa (CRC)

Semifinals
First Leg
March 15-17
Salt Lake-Columbus winner vs. Olimpia-Saprissa winner
Monterrey-Toluca winner vs. Santos-Cruz Azul winner
Second Leg
April 5-7
Olimpia-Saprissa winner vs. Salt Lake-Columbus winner
Santos-Cruz Azul winner vs. Monterrey-Toluca winner

Finals
First Leg
April 19-21
Santos-Cruz Azul/Monterrey-Toluca winner vs. Olimpia-Saprissa/Salt Lake-Columbus winner
Second Leg
April 26-28
Olimpia-Saprissa/Salt Lake-Columbus winner vs. Santos-Cruz Azul/Monterrey-Toluca winner

11/3/2010: Crew Appear To Be Doing A Much Better Job At Promoting.. Will It Lead To Results?

2010-11-02T23:57:00.001-07:00

The Columbus Crew have seemed to improve their marketing and promoting of games over the second half of 2010. I haven't seen many games with poor crowds over the second half of the season, except for the Concacaf Champions League games; And it appears that the Crew have stepped it up a notch for the first playoff game this season.

The Crew have done quite a bit of social media marketing for Saturday, they have a Scarf Ohio campaign for the playoffs, a nice video of Cavs players and Jim Tressel repping the black and gold, and they conveniently have no sports competition this weekend with Ohio State on a bye.

Further, the Crew have made some smart cross promotion deals; As the Blue Jackets also have a home game later in the night and the Crew have paired up their playoff game at 4 p.m. with the Blue Jackets game later that night for $50 bucks.

Hopefully, this leads to a nearly full house and an atmosphere much more like Seattle's on Sunday; And less like the Rapids awful atmosphere in the first game of this series where the fans were outnumbered by seats 3 to 1. If it's more like Seattle's atmosphere (hard to be as good without 36,000 seats), but still it will definitely be a lift for a Crew team that didn't look so hot in the first game in the series.

Overall, I'm just glad that the Crew front office is starting to market the team more like a professional club instead of a minor event. No one is going to come to a game if you never market a Crew game like it's something of importance. So kudos there.

11/3/2010: Play Like Gareth Bale Today! Should Be The Crew Midfield's Motto On Saturday

2010-11-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Gareth Bale is the most magnificient player I have ever seen after watching his performance against Inter Milan yesterday. A player that Robbie Rogers, Eddie Gaven, and Emmanuel Ekpo should attempt to emmulate in the midfield; As Bale always makes the right decision (the most important thing in football). Further, Bale made world class Inter defenders look like orange cones yesterday. Bale had 3 goals and 2 assists in 2 games against Inter Milan (quite possibly the best defense in club football). Quite simply Bale is a special, special player who doesn't take any play, any run down the line off. I would take Bale anyday over a Lampard or Gerrard.

What winger is going to step up for the Columbus Crew on Saturday and put in a faultless performance like Bale? I'm going to call all three out and say they have been lazy at times and always haven't given their 110% percent, with Gaven being the least offending. It's time for them to step up and play like they can, because the defense nor our strikers have the ability to save our season and give us some hope of a cup this year. That prospect lies solely on our midfield.

And credit to Warzycha, who has finally got it right in the midfield and has his best three midfield talents on the field at once with Ekpo and Rogers on the wings, and Gaven commanding the middle. But, each have taken a game (Gaven), or games (Ekpo), or half a season off (Rogers). Let's go through each:

**Gaven is the smartest player out of the bunch when it comes to decisions. But, Gaven could be more decisive and commanding. Gaven doesn't always need to pass the ball off. More runs like the one he had at the end of the 2009 season against F.C. Dallas would lead to higher stats for the Crew's most composed midfielder.

Gaven needs to take more of a leadership role in the middle and hold others accountable. I just don't think that's in his personality yet. He could also use a little more work on his fitness because once in a while he has a bad game due to being worn out.

Gaven started playing in this league at 16, he has the ability to be a phenom and a U.S. National team star if he just puts in that extra little work. I believe with a little more confidence Gaven will be a winger at a World Cup for the U.S. someday.

**Ekpo was recommended by Nigerian and African champs Enyimba to start for the Nigerian National team before Ekpo came to the Crew. Ekpo has flashes of pure brillance for the Crew, the only problem is those flashes have been few and far between. He hasn't played bad this second half, much better than his first. But, if he were to play more like he did against Colorado in 2008, Kansas City in early 2009, Municipal in Champions League in 2010 then he would be incredible. Problem is it seems like Ekpo just has one or two games a year where he takes over and balls out.

The rest of the time he makes bad decisions 50% percent of the time. If he would put in more performances like he is capable of, maybe Ekpo wouldn't wonder why he isn't in the Nigerian picture like he was when he was eligible for the U-21 team.

**Rogers has dropped off the face of the Earth since being a solid player for the Crew in 2008. Rogers was a U.S. National team phenom with moves and ability that a lot of people haven't seen before at the Crew, he has seemed disinterested since the start of the 2009 season. Further, he told Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Pickens last week that he shouldn't bad mouth the Crew. But, then Rogers went out and played a subpar, stinker of a game.. Rogers could of caught up to a couple balls last week that he let go past him. Also, Rogers just nonchalantly plays with the ball when he could finish it.

What all three need to do is get a game tape of Gareth Bale's performance in Tottenham's 3-1 win over Inter Milan.. And get inspired. Otherwise, the Crew's season ends Saturday. Period.

Bale's performances against Inter:

10/28/2010: Jim Tressel, Cavs Wish Crew Best Of Luck In Playoffs

2010-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Pretty awesome video here with OSU Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, the Cavs, the Blue Jackets, and some local celebrities wishing the Crew the best of luck in their 2010 playoffs:

10/26/2010: Have Hesmer, Gaven's Unique Goalkeeping Heroics Brought Renewed Life, Joy, & Vigor To Dead Crew Team?

2010-10-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Goalkeeping: Sometimes the most unheralded position may have reinvigorated a dead and tired Columbus Crew team. First on October 15th, goalkeeper William Hesmer (left) ran 90 yards to score in the 92nd minute to give the Crew a 2-2 tie away against TFC. Then the next week midfielder Eddie Gaven made two diving saves, after Hesmer was injured, to preserve a 3-1 victory at home against Philadelphia in front of over 19,000 fans.

The Crew looked like a sad version of their former, champion-caliber selves a few weeks ago. As the team struggled to even tie a game, they bombed out of the Supporters Shield race, and they lost the U.S. Open Cup final (there best chance to win an important trophy in 2010). It was obvious to all that the Columbus Crew locker room was not enjoying their soccer and seemed to be dwelling on the missed opportunities that have occurred this season. Then on October 15th, Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer scored a surprising goal in the 92nd minute to give the Crew a 2-2 tie away against "rivals" Toronto F.C.; the draw gave the Crew their first trophy of 2010, the debatedly meaningful Trillum Cup (awarded to the series winner of Crew vs. TFC). But, after bombing out of the Supporters Shield and Open Cup trophy races, the Crew were keen to get their hands on any hardware.

And the Crew seemed to find some joy for once, as they danced and chased Hesmer around Toronto's BMO Field (video below); Silencing and mocking a quiet TFC crowd who finally thought they would be celebrating their first win over a Crew side that hasn't been too massive as of late. Not to be, as the Crew enjoyed a once in a lifetime goal by William Hesmer and enjoyed the continued misery of TFC at their hands. They finally had a reason to smile for months.

Hesmer's famous antics brought Massive across the world once again: A video that has gotten over 760,000 hits in a week across the world on youtube from two uploads.

The Crew were enjoying their soccer again.. And a reinvigorated Crew then traveled to Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday and punched their ticket to the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals by destroying Joe Public 4-1 (video below). Renteria, a player that I believe is our best striker in years and should of gotten minutes in 2010 like the less effective Alejandro Moreno did in 2009, showed himself again slotting two past a meager Joe Public. The Crew had their first victory in the bag in weeks and guarenteed themselves another shot at the knockout rounds of the Champions League, where they battled Toluca to a 5-4 defeat over two legs last season.

And on top of the 4-1 Joe Public win. Crew journeyman and fan favorite Duncan Oughton (who does not get the most minutes these days) scored the fourth goal, which also lifted the team because everyone in the Crew locker room loves Dunc. So do the fans.. The Nordecke made him a motif for Sunday's game as well:

Speaking of Sunday's game. The Crew, in front of over 19,000 at home, dismantled the Philadelphia Union 3-1. A very important win for the Crew as it gives them some renewed belief over MLS opponents, even if the win was against lowly expansion side Philadelphia. Further, the Union's only goal came when Crew midfielder Eddie Gaven was forced into the goalkeeper position after Hesmer was injured (video below); as the Crew already used three substitions. Eddie Gaven let a LeToux saveable bullet go past him but then came up big saving two Union shots over his 15 minutes in net, icing the 3-1 victory. The second week of unusual Crew goalkeeper-related antics put a smile on a lot of Crew faces to end the season.. Further, Renteria and Mendoza both tallied for the second straight game putting together a couple of goalscoring streaks, at a striker position that has been an inconsistent carosel all season. Another reason to smile (along with Renteria's goal celebration below) and be a little more confident as a Crew fan.

Overall, I have never seen a more impressive attitude adjustment by a team over an eight day period. It may not save the Crew's season by leading to a MLS Cup; but, it has led from overwhelming pessismism to at least some renewed optimism in Columbus... And it all started with Hesmer's 92nd minute goal. Hesmer will miss the whole playoffs due to an injury from Sunday's season finale against Philadelphia; But, his 92nd minute heroics might lead to a MLS Cup run all the way back to BMO Field on November 21st.

Soccer god willing.

10/26/2010: Say What McCullers? At The Crew Awards

2010-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Columbus Crew GM Mark McCullers sure knows how to pull the silver lining out of a crappy few months. From the Crew's Twitter, this is how the Crew GM described the umm, "successful" Crew 2010 season:

"Were the only team in MLS history to reach the MLS Playoffs, Open Cup Final and Quarterfinal stage of CONCACAF in one season."

That may be true, but McCullers could have also said:

"Were the only team in MLS history to have a real good chance at the treble a few months ago: Supporters Shield, U.S. Open Cup, and MLS Cup. To go from that, to blowing two of those three opportunities and only being picked by the most optimistic of Crew fans for the third."

That more realistic statement probably would have drawn more applause; I'm sure everyone at the awards ceremony had the same thought when McCullers made that statement and if you didn't you're lying... And I get that awards ceremonies are a wank-fest so I'm being particular.

Some other thoughts on the awards ceremony:

**Fan of the year went to Herbert Bressler. Could someone scoop me in on who Herbert Bressler is?

I'm not being rude, just curious.

I'm sure Herbert(based on the name Herbert) is and hope he is some 72 year old guy who has been to every Crew home game since 96'. But, I thought it would of been someone like Sameh Fahmi, Blake Compton, or Kevin McCullough. Someone who spends money and a great ammount of time outside of the game to bring more fans to Crew games; Or someone like Fahmi who takes 80 brillant pictures a game as the National Geographic photographer of the Nordecke; who I'm sure would like to just stand, drink a beer, and chant for a game from the Nordecke. Or someone like McCullough and Compton who have made sure that around 100 Crew fans have made the trek to New York, Philly, D.C., Chicago, Toronto, and etc. this year. Trips that take lots of time to coordinate and end up costing someone 200 bucks a trip usually.

Oh well, I'm sure Bressler is deserving for one reason or another. I hope this is Bressler, as showing up to a game as JC is reason enough:

Anyways, I just hope he isn't some investor guy who bought the trophy by giving the Crew a little cash. To me at least, fan of the year isn't just showing up, it's sacrificing a lot to promote your club. I hope Bressler has done this in one way or another.

**One thumbs up about this year's ceremony, I'm glad the Crew are recognizing their youth players at multiple levels; Congrats to Will Trapp, Aaron Horton, and Brandon Silva for winning academy player of the year at U-16, U-18, and U-20. Hopefully we will see one of these guys in the senior team someday.

Crew Soccer Academy U15/16 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Wil Trapp

Crew Soccer Academy U17/18 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Aaron Horton

Crew Soccer Academy U19/20 Player of the Year
2010 Winner- Brandon Silva

**A thumbs down for me is missing a Casino Night, just about the best part of the Crew season. However, I'm saving up my money and requesting November 6th off since I have been putting work before being a Crew diehard this season. Obviously my priorities are screwed up and it's time to switch those around again. I blow all my work money on booze anyways :-). Kidding.

10/26/2010: Renteria & Mendoza On Goal Scoring Form For Playoffs; Will That Continue Against Colorado?

2010-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Putting the call out for starting time in the playoffs: Renteria and Mendoza are on nice form heading into the playoffs. Renteria has 3 goals in his last 2 games, Mendoza has 2 goals in his last 2 games (Pictures by Sam Fahmi/Massive Report).

Consistent scoring is an area that the Crew haven't been able to rely on from any of their strikers for a few years now, well since Brian McBride and Stern John. Nevertheless, it appears that two Crew strikers are getting in form at the right time with the playoffs right around the corner; As Emilio Renteria has tallied three goals in his last two games and Andres Mendoza has found the net twice in his last two games.

Even though these goals were against Joe Public on Tuesday and the Philadelphia Union on Sunday (quite possibly the worst teams respectively in the Champions League and MLS) it is still nice to be scoring consistently; as a goal scoring streak leads to confidence for both players no matter the opponent. Further, it gives confidence in the midfield that if the Crew midfield feeds Renteria and Mendoza, there is a good chance that either will finish the opportunity currently.

Therefore, I hope Warzycha sticks with the sort of lineup he trotted out against the Philadelphia Union (minus Hesmer because of his injury):
--------------Greunebaum-------------
Hejduk---Marshall---Iro-------Francis
--------------Carroll----------------
Ekpo-----------Gaven-----------Rogers
------------------Schelotto----------
---------Renteria--------------------

I also hope to see Mendoza coming off the bench for Renteria around the 70th minute; As Warzycha has to gift those who are scoring with starting time. I will be immensely frustrated if (despite Renteria and Mendoza scoring in the last two consecutive games) Waryzcha for reasons unknown decides to start either Lenhart or Garey.

Renteria and Mendoza are in goal scoring form, they are the higher quality strikers on our team and their showing it at the moment, further they have some confidence in themselves at the moment. I went from highly pessimistic about the playoffs to slightly confident about the first round as long as both of them are seeing minutes up top. I believe we can take Colorado with both seeing minutes at that striker position.

What are your thoughts?