April 19, 2007 is a day that changed the Columbus Crew forever. It was the day that Guillermo Barros Schelotto signed with the Crew, a day where some serious hardware finally became a reality.
Schelotto, arguably the best player in MLS history, joined a Crew squad in need of some star power. GBS was certainly a star in every sense of the word, a “once in a lifetime” player that would change the fortunes of the club forever. Schelotto was so good that fellow Argentine legend Diego Maradona named him one of the top 100 players to ever play the game.
Schelotto was as advertised and eventually led Columbus to consecutive Supporters’ Shields and the 2008 MLS Cup Championship. The Crew, with Schelotto leading the attack, were the best in MLS and everyone knew it. But all good things come to an end and after the 2010 season the team began changing its identity. Many core players, including Schelotto and Gino Padula, no longer would wear the Black & Gold.
Ever since, the Crew have taken on a new persona, a new image: young, talented, and with tons of potential. Stalwarts like Chad Marshall and Eddie Gaven were joined by talented youngsters like Dilly Duka and Josh Williams. But the Crew were still not themselves and were in need of another star. But where?
The obvious choice was to find an attacking player that could score goals. Rumors were rampant as to who this magic player might be. Would he be coming from Europe or South America? Was the DP really coming in 2012?
But there was a real need as Columbus used every combination imaginable up top this season. Emilio Renteria, Jairo Arrieta, Aaron Schoenfeld, Olman Vargas, and Justin Meram have all been tried, but the goals have been more of a trickle than a flood. But something happened in Wednesday’s match, the Crew put out their best offensive performance in a 1-1 draw with the defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy. The Crew put the Galaxy on their heels for much of the match as attacking players launched shots from all around the field.
Even better news came Thursday with the introduction of Federico Higuaín, the highest paid player in Crew history. The obvious comparisons to Schelotto would be made, but that had been done before.
One thing is for certain, Higuaín could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the 2012 Crew. He is an exciting player that scores goals, a player that makes those around him better. His last name is a household name thanks to brother Gonzalo, one of top strikers for Real Madrid and the Argentina national team.
So is this the answer to the Crew’s prayers or is it more of the same? Replacing Schelotto hasn’t happened so far, but a “once in a lifetime” player only comes around once. Or could lightning strike twice and Higuaín be the man to lead the Crew to glory?
I feel really good about this signing. I feel the same way I did when GBS joined the Crew back in 2007. There is just a feeling of optimism that follows great players and it sure seems that the Crew may have gotten themselves another star of stars. People were excited after Thursday’s training as Higuaín landed a beautiful goal in a scrimmage. I have a feeling that there will be many more where that came from. And we may get to see him soon as the coaching staff is pondering whether or not to start him tonight. Will good things come to those who wait or will he open his MLS scoring account? We will know soon enough.
