The Columbus Crew will be eyeing a defender and a striker in the draft on Thursday. There is a serious lack of depth and bodies at those positions so it is not a surprise that this is a priority for the Black & Gold.
Head Coach Robert Warzycha admitted there were no real surprises at the combine and that the players performed as expected. MLS teams put a large amount of resources into college scouting and the results are technical staffs that know players better than they ever have.
Warzycha hopes to get at least one player in the draft that could develop into a starter by the end of the season. The Crew are known for developing young players so this is a reasonable and attainable goal.
Thursday’s SuperDraft won’t be a “fix all” for the Crew as they seek veteran players and potentially internationals to fill out the roster. Tyson Wahl was the offseason’s biggest pickup so far and figures to be an Opening Day starter at left back.
The Crew are keeping an open mind when it comes to trades as Warzycha is willing to listen to offers to improve the team. Getting better is the key mission for the Crew this offseason.
Warzycha stressed that it is going to take a mix of players to make the team better; acquiring players through the draft or a trade and signing a veteran with MLS experience are all on the table at this point.
There will be a very quick turnaround as the Crew transitions from the combine and draft to the start of preseason training later this week.
In other Crew news, former midfielder Robbie Rogers and Leeds United have mutually parted ways. Rogers made only four appearances for the Championship side in addition to nine appearances with Stevenage during a loan stint. Injuries derailed a dream opportunity overseas, but pundits are unsure where the young midfielder will head next. He still has loads of potential and experience, which makes him an exciting prospect to a team lucky enough to land him.
