May 31, 201510 yr Last night's match at Orlando played like "The Agony and the Ecstacy" for Crew fans: ECSTACY: Crew goes up 1-0 in the 6th minute on goal by Tony Tchani. Finlay shoots a leading pass up the right side to right back Jiménez, who fires a crossing pass over the Orlando 6-yard box. Tchani makes a trailing run and uses his entire 6'-4" frame to stretch over a defender and head the ball into the net. AGONY: In the 16th minute, off an Orlando corner kick, the ball gets shot toward the Crew goal and is stopped by defender Michael Parkhurst on the goal line. But the ref ruled that Parkhurst used his hand/arm to illegally stop the shot. By rule, this means a PK for Orlando and a red card ejection for Parkhurst. -- The ball did hit Parkhurst's arm, but his arm was tucked to his body. This usually does not result in an "intentional hand ball" call. However, ref was located at least 15 yards away looking through a sea of players when this occurred. If you give the ref the benefit of the doubt, he probably just missed the call and with the benefit replay might not have issued a red card. -- Orlando converted the PK to tie it 1-1. ECSTACY: So the Crew had to play the remaining 75+ minutes down one man. And Orlando took advantage, dominating possession and generating shots and scoring chances. However, against the run of play in the 61st minute, the Crew regained the lead. Waylon Francis kicked a high lob to the edge of Orlando's 6-yard box that Kamara headed into the goal. -- This was a highlight quality header from Kei Kamara to get his league leading 10 goal of the season. Crew leads 2-1. AGONY: After the Kamara goal, Orlando regained their possession dominance. The Crew went into a defensive shell and withstood shot after shot until they broke the pressure around the 85th minute. It looked like the Crew might salt the win away until the 89th minute. -- Against the run of play, a long Orlando pass from midfield was deflected toward 2nd-half Orlando sub Pedro Ribeiro. Riberio found some space about 30 yards in front of the Crew goal and unleashed a wicked shot that got past a diving Clark. -- Game ends 2-2. RECAP w/ VIDEO: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-05-30-orlando-city-sc-vs-columbus-crew-sc/recap
May 31, 201510 yr Normally, the Crew might be pleased with a road draw after playing 75+ minutes of the match down one man. But much like the previous week's Chicago match, the Crew were only minutes away from a win. And much like the Chicago draw, the win eluded the Crew because of "one brief defensive lapse". The Crew are a quality team, but this is something they must address to prevent giving away future points. Here's some more reaction to the 2-2 draw at Orlando: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/5/30/8692859/10-men-columbus-crew-sc-get-road-point-in-orlando http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/05/post-match-quotes-orlando-city-sc-vs-crew-sc http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/05/30/columbus-crew-sc-say-draw-vs-orlando-city-sc-got-ruined-little-bit-michael-p
June 3, 201510 yr The Crew travel to Philly tonight for the middle game in their 3-games-in-8-days stretch. Coach Berhalter had a strategy to play/rest certain players that went out the window after Parkhurst got red-carded 16 minutes into last Saturday's match. Pogatetz (who was being rested) had to come in to replace Parkhurst in central defense and Higuain got subbed out as a result. The team decided not to appeal Parkhurst's red card, so he's out for tonight's Philadelphia match. This means Pogatetz will almost certainly play tonight and get rested at next Saturday's home match against Montreal. Higuain will also likely start tonight and get rested against Montreal. Wil Trapp is said to be practicing with the team and getting closer to recovering from his concussion issues - but he won't play tonight and is questionable for the Saturday match. When Philly and the Crew last played on April 26, the Crew won 4-1. This time they'll be playing at Philadelphia with the Crew short-handed and in a 3-game-in-8-day stretch. Getting their first road win of 2015 would be great for the Crew. But considering the circumstances, a road draw would be acceptable. Here's some more previews and analysis of tonight's match at Philly: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-03-philadelphia-union-vs-columbus-crew-sc/preview http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/3/8716943/philadelphia-provides-a-sneaky-mid-week-test-for-crew-sc http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/3/8718755/crossing-the-touchline-talking-columbus-crew-sc-at-philadelphia-union
June 4, 201510 yr The Crew was road kill last night at Philadelphia. A defensive miscue by rookie Sergio Campbell (making his MLS debut) led to Philly's first goal in the 41st minute. Then a rare gaffe by goalkeeper Steve Clark led to Philly's second goal in the 52nd minute. Philly's third goal 6 minutes later was just icing on the cake to give the Crew a 3-0 road loss. The Crew remain winless (0-4-3) in their seven road matches this season. RECAP w/ VIDEO: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-03-philadelphia-union-vs-columbus-crew-sc/recap
June 6, 201510 yr Yeah, so Wednesday's game happened... http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/4/8732001/6-thought-box-the-mess-that-was-crew-sc-vs-philadelphia http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/4/8732027/wasted-opportunities-cost-crew-sc-in-loss
June 6, 201510 yr But the Crew have a chance to atone in a home game tonight against Montreal. It's still too early in the season for this to be a "must-win game". But it sure feels like one. The Crew are playing much better at home so far this season; Montreal has struggled so far this season (though not lately as they've won 3 of their last 4 matches); and tonight's match is the first of four straight at Crew Mapfre Stadium: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/5/8735471/a-visit-from-montreal-gives-crew-sc-a-chance-for-atonement
June 7, 201510 yr The Crew are in a malaise as their winless slide grows to five: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/6/8742187/columbus-crew-sc-fall-again-montreal-impact-win-2-1 Montreal scored two second half goals en route to their win. Only a stoppage time goal from Higuain prevented a shutout. RECAP: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-06-columbus-crew-sc-vs-montreal-impact/recap
June 11, 201510 yr When I saw this news on Massive Report yesterday, I thought it might be bogus: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/10/8755843/columbus-crew-sc-to-abandon-gold-kit-in-2016 But the Dispatch confirmed it today (although the team has not yet confirmed it). CREW SC - who currently sport gold primary kits and black secondary kits - are being reported as going to a black primary kit and a white secondary kit featuring "funky colors" in 2016. The "funky colors" are being reported as featuring different shades of blue, yellow, red, and white that adorn the city seal of Columbus. At first glance, I don't want the Crew to abandon their yellow uniform kit. The yellow color has become closely identified with the Crew. Plus, I personally think the all-yellow "banana kit" is a really good look. And apparently I'm not the only one. The poll at above linked Massive Report article shows 83% of the 813 votes favor keeping the current "Black and Gold" kits. While only 7% favor the proposed "Black and White" kits for 2016.
June 13, 201510 yr ^Gold is the color of the Crew. Strange decision. Hopefully this only the Crew floating a trial balloon. Because it's not floating well. And it seems out-of-character for the current management team - just look how well they handled the Crew SC rebranding last fall. Personally, I'd favor keeping both the current all-gold and all-black kits and adding this "white w/funky colors" kit as a third alternate.
June 13, 201510 yr Whatever the kit color, the Crew will be facing defending MLS champs LA Galxary tonight at Mapfre. In recent years, the Galaxy game has been a sell-out for the Crew. But this year there's no Beckham, no Donovan. And apparently no problem. In fact, the Crew are temporarily expanding the stadium capacity with bleachers on the north stage and behind the south goal. (Similar to what was done for the US vs. Mexico qualifier game.) http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/06/crew-sc-will-temporarily-expand-capacity-mapfre-stadium-galaxy-match-due-demand
June 13, 201510 yr With a five-game winless streak (0-3-2) the Crew are in desperate need of a win tonight. The Galaxy are not quite as desperate for a win - but they still have points needs. LA is riding a two-game winless streak (0-1-1) and sits just above the Western playoff line at 6th-place. Similarly (and despite their recent play) the Crew also sit just above the Eastern playoff line at 6th-place. A losing result for either team tonight could see them drop below their conference playoff line: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-13-columbus-crew-sc-vs-la-galaxy/preview http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/12/8768387/space-race-who-figures-things-out-first-as-crew-sc-hosts-los-angeles
June 14, 201510 yr Biggest crowd of the season (plus extra seating) and wouldn't you know it . . . a weather delay due to a severe storm with lightning rolling thru the area. Fans evacuated from the stands into the sheltered concourse. From https://twitter.com/AdamJardy: THE STANDS THE CONCOURSE
June 14, 201510 yr ^ Beautiful but dangerous. Not only did the stadium get pounded by the pouring rain, but lots of lightning too.
June 14, 201510 yr Well ... after a over two-hour delay ... last night's match finally got started. Although the Crew acted like the game hadn't yet begun. LA dominated the early play, and it led to an early LA goal in the 14th minute. LA continued to hold the possession advantage and get the better scoring chances for the rest of the first half, but couldn't extend their 1-0 lead. The second half went better for the Crew. More possession and scoring chances led to an equalizing goal in the 66th minute. A Tchani pass found Finlay on a run down the right side. Finlay avoided a tackle to send a crossing ball into the middle of LA's 18-yard box, where Higuain had space to redirect it for a goal. The Crew had some good scoring chances later in the second half, but much like LA in the first half, could not get a second goal. So it ended up 1-1. VIDEO RECAP: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-13-columbus-crew-sc-vs-la-galaxy/recap
June 16, 20159 yr Some analysis of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Galaxy. The draw left each fan base with something to like and dislike: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/14/8777549/columbus-crew-sc-earn-come-from-behind-tie-against-la-galaxy http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/06/14/columbus-crew-sc-pleased-effort-first-comeback-result-season-after-lengthy-d http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/15/8779153/6-thought-box-the-ups-and-downs-for-crew-sc-against-los-angeles
June 16, 20159 yr One thing the Crew/Galaxy draw did was to keep both teams barely above the playoff line in their conferences. Now, the Crew will take a mini-break from MLS match play and join most of the league in beginning U.S. Open Cup match play. The Crew will be travelling to Richmond, Virginia for a match tomorrow against the USL-level Richmond Kickers. The Crew won't play their next MLS match until Wednesday, June 24 when they host New England.
June 18, 20159 yr The Crew played their opening match of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup last night against the USL-level Richmond Kickers. These Open Cup matches are kind of interesting because you never really know what you're going to get from the MLS teams vs. the lower-level clubs: - In 2002, the Crew won the Open Cup. In 2012, the Crew lost their opening match (and lost Eddie Gaven to a season-ending injury). - The Seattle Sounders won the Open Cup last year. Then lost their opening match this year in a wild game that saw the Sounders down to 7 men(!) because of an injury and 3 red-cards(!) - one issued to Clint Dempsey for ripping up the ref's scorebook! Check it out at http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/17/seattle-finishes-us-open-cup-loss-to-portland-with-7-men-as-dempsey-rages/ The match at Richmond was much less eventful - although the Crew did break out a new formation that featured a three-man back-line and two forward strikers featuring starter Ethan Finlay and reserve Adam Bedell. Bedell got the Crew's first and third goals, while Finlay got the tie-breaking and game-winning second Crew goal, en route to a 3-1 win over Richmond. http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/17/8802027/adam-bedell-carries-columbus-crew-sc-into-open-cup-fifth-round http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/06/match-recap-richmond-1-crew-sc-3 With the win at Richmond, the Crew advance to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. Crew SC is set to play Orlando City SC at the Citrus Bowl, with the time and date of the match to be released in the near future.
June 22, 20159 yr A rare no-game weekend for the Crew. So they get to bask in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup win for a little longer - and hope it gives them some momentum for their upcoming MLS games: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/18/8808489/columbus-crew-sc-using-the-open-cup-to-springboard-league-success The Crew's next two MLS matches are Wednesday hosting New England and then a quick turnaround for a road match at Real Salt Lake. The Crew are still clinging to the 6th and final playoff spot in the East (now only by a tie-break). So this two-game-in-four-day stretch could help them break out of their 0-3-3 winless streak and stay over the playoff line - or it could extend that winless streak and watch the Crew fall below the playoff line.
June 22, 20159 yr For all the hope that the U.S. Open Cup win might help the team's MLS fortunes. I think this Massive Report article shows the true key to help the Crew's MLS fortunes: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/16/8791909/wil-trapp-a-step-closer-to-returning-and-what-that-means-to-crew-sc Legendary French player Thierry Henry called Wil Trapp "the key" after a Crew win over his Red Bulls late last season. But this season, Trapp has only played in 3 games since leaving with concussion symptoms in March. And his absence is a primary reason for the Crew's 2015 struggles. -- This, despite Trapp having only scored 1 goal in his 47 appearances over the past three seasons for the Crew. But that's not where he makes his impact. Trapp plays the defensive midfielder position. And in Coach Berhalter's system, this position is key to the team's offense and defense. Berhalter uses a four-man defensive backline. But the two outside backs are free to roam upfield and make deep overlapping offensive runs. This leaves the two central backs to do the heavy lifting on defense. Trapp acts a "third central defender" to help cover them when the ball is near the Crew goal. -- In addition to breaking up opponent's scoring chances, Trapp's central position allows him to link up passes to Tchani and Higuain on quick counterattacks. This augments the Crew's wing attacks and makes the team more offensively dangerous. Without Trapp this season, the Crew have been forced to use an out-of-position Mohammed Saied as a fill-in. And the MS article linked above shows the difference between Trapp's 2014 season and Saied's 2015 season in certain key stats. During one of the Crew's losses, a commenter at Massive Report described Berhalter's system as "being like a finely tuned Ferrari". Meaning that, when everything is in-sync, the team looks and plays with style and grace. But when something is out-of-sync, the team sputters. Right now, the team is out-of-sync. And the biggest reason for that, is the absence of Wil Trapp in the lineup. The team is being rightly cautious in handling his concussion issues. But it's frustrating knowing the answer to the Crew's problem, but not being able to do anything about it. -- The team is saying encouraging things about Trapp's recovery, like "last week was his best week yet". However, there's still no word on when he will return to the lineup.
June 25, 20159 yr The Crew's busy stretch of two-MLS-games-in-four-days (last night and the upcoming Saturday) just got a little busier. The Crew's U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 game at Orlando has been scheduled for next Tuesday. So now its three-games-in-seven-days.
June 25, 20159 yr Going into last night's match against the Revs, the Crew desperately needed a win. However, it looked unlikely after a nightmare start. In the 1st minute, a turnover in the Crew defensive half led to a goal by New England's Lee Nguyen. And just like that, the Crew were down 1-0. Fortunately, the Crew got a quick equalizer in the 4th minute. It started with a Jimenez crossing pass to Higuain ten yards in front of the Revs goal. Pipa's header hit the crossbar and deflected to Kamara, who strongly headed the rebound for a goal. --- In the 50th minute, Francis hit a crossing pass that travelled though the Revs six-yard box to Finlay. Finlay gathered it and passed through two defenders to a wide-open Kamara in front of the net. Kamara deftly redirected it for the go-ahead goal. After that, the Crew weathered a few dicey moments but held on to their one-goal lead for a 2-1 victory. Kamara two goals were his 11th and 12th of the season, which gives him 12 goals in 16 games and extends his MLS lead in goals scored. VIDEO RECAP: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-24-columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-england-revolution/recap
June 25, 20159 yr Some more analysis of last night's 2-1 win over the Revs: http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/06/kamaras-brace-propels-crew-sc-past-revs http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/24/8842911/first-come-from-behind-win-of-the-season-ends-crew-scs-winless-run
June 27, 20159 yr Some previews of tonight's late match at Real Salt Lake. Rio Tinto has been a house of horrors for the Crew - but RSL will be without their co-leader in goals and leader in assists, midfielder Javier Morales. Morales got a red card in last Wednesday's match at NYRB and thus suspended for the following match (this one). Both Morales and an RSL defender are illegible for this match because of red cards received at NYRB (a 1-0 loss that RSL finished with only 9 men!): http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-27-real-salt-lake-vs-columbus-crew-sc/preview http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/26/8853265/crossing-the-touchline-talking-columbus-crew-sc-at-real-salt-lake
June 28, 20159 yr Another "could've-been-better/could've-been-worse" road draw last night in Rio Tinto: COULD'VE BEEN BETTER: RSL gets the scoring started in the 36th minute on a dazzling goal off a free kick. The free kick was directed toward USMNT player Kyle Beckerman, who lofted it to an RSL player at the right post, who headed to an RSL player at the left post, who tapped the ball into the open net. Really can't blame the Crew defense on this one. Perfect execution by RSL (it even made #2 on ESPN's Top 10 plays this morning). COULD'VE BEEN WORSE: CREW SC equalize in the 42nd minute on a nice driving shot from Tony Tchani that was assisted by Jimenez and Finlay. COULD'VE BEEN ALOT BETTER: CREW SC went behind again on an RSL goal only 25 seconds into the second half (46'). Defender Pogatetz and goalkeeper Clark each thought the other was going to cover an RSL long ball lofted to the edge of the 18-yard box. This allowed an RSL forward to reach the ball first and tap it over Clark into an open net. Bad defensive mistake. COULD'VE BEEN ALOT WORSE: CREW SC retied it at 2-2 in the 62nd minute on a very nice interplay within the Crew's three most dangerous offensive players. Kamara played the ball forward to Higuain at the right side of the 18-yard box, who passed it around the mouth of the 6-yard box to an on-running Finlay, who tapped it past the RSL keeper. Very well done. COULD'VE BEEN BETTER: An RSL defender got a straight red card ejection in the 77th minute for a dangerous foul on Tchani. But CREW SC couldn't get a third goal in the final 15 minutes with their one-man advantage. So it ended 2-2. COULD'VE BEEN WORSE: Although getting this season's first road win would've been great. But a road draw at Rio Tinto is an improvement for CREW SC. Given the high altitude and the record triple digit high temps in Utah, it seemed like the Crew was 'out of gas' by the time they had the one-man advantage. VIDEO RECAP: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-27-real-salt-lake-vs-columbus-crew-sc/recap RECAP: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/28/8858547/twice-behind-columbus-crew-sc-earn-road-draw-in-salt-lake
June 30, 20159 yr Analysis on the 2-2 road draw the Crew earned/suffered/settled for against RSL: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/29/8863299/6-thought-box-mixed-emotions-for-crew-sc-after-salt-lake-draw
June 30, 20159 yr Previews of tonight's U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match at Orlando: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-06-30-orlando-city-sc-vs-columbus-crew-sc/preview -- Weary Crew faces rested Orlando City: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2015/06/30/crew-0630.html While the Crew are playing their third game in seven days, Orlando is on six days rest and doesn't play again until next Saturday. So the Crew will likely be heavily outgunned in this Open Cup match. Orlando will be able to field a full roster of starters. While the Crew will have to use a mixture of starters and reserves, much like the lineup that faced Richmond a few weeks ago in their previous Open Cup match.
June 30, 20159 yr Some Wil Trapp news: - Last week, the team was saying Trapp might return to practice this week. But offered no further updates. - At Monday's practice, Coach Berhalter said Trapp has passed his concussion tests and is practicing with the team again. But also said that he needs to get his fitness and game rhythm back: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/29/8864727/mondays-practice-pitch-updates-wil-trapp-return-cedrick-arrival-open - In today's Dispatch, it is being reported that Trapp travelled with team to Orlando and might play in tonight's Open Cup match: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2015/06/30/0630-crew-sc-wil-trapp-returns.html
July 2, 20159 yr The Crew were eliminated from the Open Cup with a 2-0 loss at Orlando. Not a surprise given that the Crew fielded only two regular MLS starters in their opening 11 - while Orlando fielded a full MLS starting lineup: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/6/30/8874627/columbus-crew-sc-eliminated-from-u-s-open-cup-play http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/1/8880515/highlights-from-columbus-crew-scs-2-0-open-cup-defeat The match did have one positive for the Crew. Wil Trapp came on as a second-half substitute and played the final 20 minutes of the match. It was his first game play since he left with concussion symptoms in late April.
July 4, 20159 yr The Crew get to celebrate the Fourth of July by hosting an important summer match with the New York Red Bulls. The first linked article below from Massive Report asks "Is it a bad time to face the Red Bulls?". NYRB has shaken off a 4-game losing streak with back-to-back wins in their last two matches. A home win would greatly assist the Crew in the eastern standings. Crew SC is still clinging to the sixth and final playoff spot - but only 2 points behind 4th-place NYRB. A win tonight would vault the Crew over NYRB in the East: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-04-columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/preview http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/2/8886895/the-fully-charged-new-york-red-bulls-are-headed-to-columbus-for-a http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/3/8890267/crossing-the-touchline-talking-new-york-red-bulls-at-columbus-crew-sc
July 5, 20159 yr Very nice 2-1 win for the Crew last night. Although it didn't start too well. In the 8th minute, a series of passes at midfield led to a NYRB player breaking past the Crew's back defensive line. Pogatetz couldn't overtake him but was able to veer him right of the goal. But an excellently angled shot got past our goalkeeper Clark. For the rest of the first half NYRB kept the Crew from a good scoring chance. Until the 33rd minute, when a lucky/skillful play tied it for the Crew. Clark sent a long ball into the NYRB half that was flicked ahead by Kamara's head to Finlay. With Finlay in a one-on-one situation, he cut back left and beat to NYRB goalkeeper with a wicked shot to the upper corner. The game-winning goal came on some fine interplay in the 74th minute. From just outside the 18-yard box, Higuain lofted a pass to Kamara making a run to left side of the 6-yard box. Kamara headed the pass in front of the NYRB goal, where Finlay was making a run to tap it in. For this game, the league leading goal scorer (Kamara) and the league assist leader (Finlay) swiched roles, with Finlay getting two goals and Kamara getting two assists. This win over NYRB (plus a NE loss last night) vaulted the Crew from 6th to 2nd in the East. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-04-columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap RECAP: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/4/8894911/columbus-crew-sc-light-up-the-sky-in-victory-over-the-new-york-red
July 6, 20159 yr The Crew celebrates the 4th of July and a key win over the New York Red Bulls. Some smaller sample photos from the two photo-threads linked below: CU PHOTOS: http://www.columbusunderground.com/crew-sc-trumps-ny-red-bulls-2-1-in-home-game-win-me1 MP PHOTOS: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/5/8895527/columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls#4782114 With celebrations during the game (above) and after a goal (below): And with celebrations after the game:
July 9, 20159 yr Swanson earns United States Under-18 National Team call-up In conjunction with U.S. Soccer, Columbus Crew SC announced that Homegrown midfielder Ben Swanson has earned a call-up to the United States Under-18 National Team for a training camp in Carson, California running from July 6-14. The U.S. squad is set to participate in the 2015 U-18 Men's NTC Invitational Tournament. Swanson and the U-18s open NTC Invitational play on Saturday, July 11 against Uruguay (7:00 p.m. ET) followed by a match against the Czech Republic on Monday, July 13 (8:00 p.m. ET). All tournament matches take place at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center in Carson and are streamed live on http://www.ussoccer.com/. This is the second U-18 call-up this season for Swanson, who earned an invitation to join the side in Bosnia & Herzegovina for a nine-day camp from April 22 - May 1. He started three friendlies for the U-18s over that timespan. MORE: http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/07/swanson-earns-united-states-under-18-national-team-call
July 9, 20159 yr The Crew have two players joining the team this week - one new, one old: - The "old" player is 22-year-old Wil Trapp. He completed his long recovery from concussion symptoms when he came on as a second-half sub in the Open Cup match at Orlando and a late second-half sub in last Saturday's MLS match against NYRB. - The new player is 23-year-old Cedrick Mabwati from the Congo. Cedrick was signed over the off-season by the Crew, but needed to finish his contract with his Spanish team this spring and then wait until the summer transfer window opened on July 8. More about Cedrick at http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/07/meet-cedrick-mabwati
July 9, 20159 yr It'll be interesting to see how Trapp and Cedrick will fit into the Crew lineup. Trapp has the easier "fit" at the key defensive midfield position: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/7/8909373/the-versatile-mohammed-saeid-provided-time-for-a-full-wil-trapp Even though Mo Saeid filled in pretty well for Trapp, Saeid is really better suited to a more attacking midfield role - Tchani's position. Saeid could also fill in at Higuain's position, if needed. --- Meanwhile, Cedrick gets added to the team's well-established four forwards: Kamara, Finlay, Meram and Higuain. Trapp and Cedrick both might get rotated into the lineup over the next week-and-a-half. The Crew have a 3-game-in-9-day stretch coming up. On Saturday, the Crew travel to Montreal. Next Wednesday, they travel to Chicago for the first match of a back-to-back home-and-away series with the Fire. The second back-to-back match with the Fire is the following Sunday (7/19) in Columbus - with the game broadcast on ESPN2.
July 11, 20159 yr The Crew are on a mini hot streak with two wins and two draws in their last four games (2-0-2). While Montreal is in a bit of a mini slump - two losses in their past three games (0-2-1) and three losses in their past five games (1-3-1). So this would seem a good time for the Crew to grab their first road win of 2015 wouldn't it? Maybe, if the Crew's offense can figure out Montreal's bunker defense. And if the Crew's defense doesn't get burned by Montreal's counter-attack offense: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/10/8928307/crew-sc-searches-for-first-road-win-at-montreal GAME PREVIEW: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-11-montreal-impact-vs-columbus-crew-sc/preview
July 12, 20159 yr So this would seem a good time for the Crew to grab their first road win of 2015 wouldn't it? That was the thought going into last night's match. But it wasn't the thought after the Crew went down 2-0 after eight minutes. Then, Montreal finished off the Crew 3-0. RECAP: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/11/8935929/columbus-crew-sc-fall-big-in-montreal VIDEO: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-11-montreal-impact-vs-columbus-crew-sc/recap
July 15, 20159 yr Ever since Hernan Grana left in May, the Crew have been looking for a replacement player at right back. And they thought they found one last week when they reached a tentative loan agreement with Brazilian club Santos for 21-year-old Zeca: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/10/8932161/crew-sc-reportedly-targeting-brazilian-wingback-zeco However, this week, it looks like Santos and Zeca are backing out of the deal: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/14/8964221/report-crew-sc-loan-deal-close-to-dead-as-santos-and-zeca-both-want
July 15, 20159 yr The Crew play a back-to-back home-and-away series against Chicago - starting tonight at Chicago. With Chicago languishing at the bottom of the East, this would seem a good time for the Crew to grab their first road win of 2015 . . . but we've heard that before haven't we? Here's more about tonight's midweek midwest match: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/15/8967293/a-unique-home-and-home-week-for-crew-sc-and-chicago http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-15-chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-sc/preview
July 16, 20159 yr Well, how about that? An actual road win in 2015! The Crew dominated Chicago, but eked out a 1-0 win due to some fine goalkeeping from the Fire. The Crew dominated the first half with 10 shots (vs. 3), 5 shots on goal (vs. 0) and 70% possession. But Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson made 4 saves to keep the game 0-0 until the 41st minute. Columbus scored on a counter-attack that started deep in Crew territory. Trapp (starting his first game since April) began it with an outlet pass to Meram near midfield. Meram found Finlay racing down the right flank. Then Finlay pushed to the end line and hit a crossing pass through the 6-yard box that Kamara headed into goal. The game evened up more in the second half and Chicago forced Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark to make two key saves to preserve the road win. The Kamara goal (#13) and Finlay assist (#11) added to their league lead in both categories. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-15-chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-sc/recap
July 16, 20159 yr Lots of reason for the Crew to celebrate this win - besides it being the first road win of 2015. The win temporarily vaults the Crew into full possession of 2nd-place in the East. If the Crew can beat Chicago again in Columbus on Sunday, they'll keep hold of second place: - Columbus Crew SC Win First Road Game of the Season, 1-0 over the Chicago Fire: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/15/8975773/columbus-crew-sc-win-first-road-game-of-the-season-1-0-over-the - Columbus Crew SC savor "some of the best football we've played all year" in skid-breaking win at Fire: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/16/columbus-crew-sc-savor-some-best-football-weve-played-all-year-skid-breaking
July 20, 20159 yr The Crew stay 2nd in the East with another win over Chicago yesterday. The Crew started the scoring with a set play off the opening kickoff - Trapp lofted a long ball to Kamara, who headed it forward to an on-rushing Finlay, who broke free into the box and was fouled by the Chicago goalkeeper. Higuain converted the PK for a 1-0 lead. Chicago tied it up on a free kick in the 9th minute. Then the Crew took the lead for good in 17'. Francis lofted a high crossing pass to the right post that Kamara forcefully headed into the net. Kamara the headmaster - as the ESPN announcer proclaimed! The Fire burned their comeback chance when a Chicago forward, who was already on a yellow card from the first half, committed a blatant dive in 50' that earned him a second yellow card and got him ejected. The Crew tacked on a third goal in the 83th minute on a ground pass from Barson that was heeled on by Steindórsson to a wide open Finlay for the 3-1 final score. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-19-columbus-crew-sc-vs-chicago-fire/recap RECAP: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/19/9001439/fast-start-leads-to-three-points-for-columbus-crew-sc
July 25, 20159 yr Going into this weekend's big match against Toronto, a couple of positive national media stories about the Columbus Crew. The first one focuses on the revival of the franchise under new owner Anthony Precourt and new head coach Gregg Berhalter: The revival of the Columbus Crew and what it means for American soccer: http://worldsoccertalk.com/2015/07/06/the-revival-of-the-columbus-crew-and-what-it-means-for-american-soccer/
July 25, 20159 yr The second one focuses on 24-year-old winger Ethan Finlay and how he is flourishing under Berhalter's system. Finlay had a breakout season last year with 11 goals and 7 assists in 29 games. He is building on that with 6 goals and an MLS-best 11 assists in 21 games so far this season: http://americansoccernow.com/articles/ethan-finlay-i-play-the-game-to-be-a-champion
July 25, 20159 yr The Crew host Toronto in the second of their three Trillium Cup matches this season. The Crew won their first match in March and would clinch the Cup with a win tonight. Beyond the niceties of the Trillium Cup, tonight's matchup is also between two top teams in the Eastern Conference. Columbus is in 2nd-place and riding a 3-0-1 unbeaten streak. League goal leader Kei Kamara (14 goals) and league assist leader Ethan Finlay (11 assists) pace the dangerous Crew offense. Toronto is only 3 points behind in 4th-place, but has 3 games-in-hand over the Crew. Toronto has struggled in their past four games (1-2-1) while Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley have been playing for the USMNT. Altidore has returned but is hampered with an injury, while Bradley is still playing for the USMNT today. But they will have Sebastian Giovinco, who many consider to be this year's league MVP with 12 goals and 9 assists in only 18 games. http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-25-columbus-crew-sc-vs-toronto-fc/preview http://americansoccernow.com/articles/columbus-toronto-clash-features-giovinco-kamara
July 26, 20159 yr With so many league leading scorers on the field, last night's match figured to be full of goals. And it didn't disappoint in that department. The Crew got the scoring underway in the 17th minute on a play that wasn't exactly one Coach Berhalter would draw up. A low ball struck into the edge of the 18-yard box hits off Higuain and Kamara, is headed by Tchani to Barson in the right part of the box, who lofts it to Finlay, who zaps a quick shot on goal that is saved by Toronto's goalkeeper, whose save is deflected to Higuain, who heads it to Kamara left of goal, who heads in it for his league-leading 15th goal! The Crew's second goal in the 36th minute was alot less complex. Tchani played a though-ball to Finlay racing ahead on the right of 18-yard box. Finlay immediately passes it back to Tchani who is left wide-open at edge of the 18-yard box, who blasts it past the goalkeeper. The Crew leads 2-0 at halftime. Then the Crew add a third goal in the 48th minute on a beautifully weighted pass from Meram to Finlay right of the goal that Finlay masterfully finishes to give the Crew a 3-0 lead. But then the second half turned Toronto's way. TFC started their scoring in the 50th minute on Giovinco's 13th goal of season, assisted by Warner. Then at 55' Giovinco assisted on a goal by Warner to trim the Crew lead to 3-2. It looked like the Crew would hold on to their one goal lead until in the 88th minute. Jozy Altidore draw a penalty in the box from Francis and was awarded a penalty kick. Altidore converted the PK to tie it 3-3. And that's how it would end. HIGHLIGHTS: http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-07-25-columbus-crew-sc-vs-toronto-fc/details/video/44851 RECAP: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/25/9040529/up-three-goals-columbus-crew-sc-miss-out-on-chance-for-three-points
July 27, 20159 yr I went to my first Crew game last night. It definitely did not disappoint. We got seats in the Nordecke and had a great time. Unfortunately they couldn't get the W, but it was very entertaining. I'll definitely go to more games
July 27, 20159 yr It's kind of a shame that the MLS stacked the all-star roster with all of those old-time foreign carpet-baggers leaving out one of this country's own young stars in Finley.
July 28, 20159 yr It looked like the only Crew player heading to tomorrow's MLS All-Star Game was going to be Kamara - who was a lock being the league's leading goal scorer. But today, forward Ethan Finlay and defender Waylon Francis were added to the 22-man gameday roster as replacement players: http://www.massivereport.com/2015/7/28/9059611/ethan-finlay-and-waylon-francis-added-to-the-2015-mls-all-star-roster Finlay is the MLS leader in assists with 12 (plus 7 goals). Francis leads MLS in assists by a defender with six.
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