As with many “all-time” lineups, some writers tend to look at the player’s career overall as opposed to the player’s career with the team in which one is choosing a best eleven of all-time. With that being said, I’ve made my lineup based on performances with the Crew, not over all clubs an individual has played for.
GK – William Hesmer – Surprise? I think not, the only Crew net minder to hoist the MLS Cup. Plus his quiet consistency makes him the all-time best ever to don the Black and Gold.
DEF – Frankie Hejduk – A fan favorite, hard-tackling, workhorse on the flanks, who never shied away from a challenge and scored the clincher in the club’s finest hour.
DEF – Chad Marshall – Two-time MLS Defender of the Year. The best Crew defender of all time, hands down.
DEF – Mike Clark – An MLS Original and a darn good one at that. Does it help that he spoke at my 7th grade team event….maybe. All kidding aside, he was a quiet, simple rock in the defense and deserves a spot on this list.
MID – Brian Maisonneuve – The Michigan Man via the University of Indiana had the stats and guts to prove he’s on this list.
MID – Robert Warzycha – Before he was busy filling out roster sheets, he was busy getting on the scoresheet.
MID – Brian Carroll – Forget the missed penalty in 2010, his Crew legacy remains solid.
MID – Guillermo Barros Schelotto – The best there ever is, was, but hopefully for Crew fans, not the best that will ever come through the Crew organization. Someday, he may get outshined, but I doubt it.
FWD – Jeff Cunningham – The soon to be all-time MLS goal scorer makes this list easily.
FWD – Stern John- Even though his stay was short, no one will argue this pick.
FWD – Brian McBride – I’d like to meet the person who disagrees with this one.
BENCH:
GK – Jon Busch – A keeper with a competitive chip on his shoulder and a stellar performance that led the Crew to capturing their first hardware – the 2002 US Open Cup.
DEF- Robin Fraser – A vital part of the team that had that incredible run in 2004.
DEF/MID – Duncan Oughton – What All-Time Crew team would be complete without the beloved Kiwi, ” Saint Ducan “. Great role player on an all-time team.
MID – John Wilmar Perez – Who can forget Pelusa Perez? This underrated player gets in just deserved recognition on my team. Just look back at 2001 if you doubt me.
MID – Eddie Gaven – He doesn’t make the Starting XI, but comes in easy on the gameday sheet. His speed, skill and overall simple play would be a vital part on this roster.
FWD – Edson Buddle – Skill, Strength and a little bit of a mystery. What more do you want coming off the bench in the 75th?
FWD – Steven Lenhart – The best super sub to this point in the Crew’s history. If I’m making a team of players, in their prime to take on other “All-Time” teams… He’s gotta be on the list.
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