So the first road trip for the Columbus Crew is in the books. 3 points from two away matches is not a bad way to start the season.
In a matter of days, Crew Stadium will be come alive with the sights and sounds of Major League Soccer. Columbus represents something important in the league: a legacy, tradition, and real supporters. The Crew have a legacy unlike any other team. Because of the Hunt Family, the team was a founding member of MLS and the tenant of the first soccer-specific stadium. The Crew have a tradition of excellence in players and coaching since the very beginning. Take your pick: Brian McBride, Frankie Hejduk, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, just to name a few.
And who can forget the supporters that grace the Nordecke each and every week.
But the best part may be what happens on the pitch this season. Many believe this squad represents the city’s best chance at bringing home another championship in the near future. This is a team with stars and depth, youth and experience, a little bit of everything.
Take the defense for example. You have veteran Chad Marshall paired with Brazilian Glauber and rising star Josh Williams. In the midfield you have a grizzled veteran in Eddie Gaven (even though he is only 26), attacking punch from newcomers Agustin Viana and Matias Sanchez, and some serious speed on the wing from Dominic Oduro. Columbus is stacked up top with Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta and with depth from youngsters Ryan Finley and Ben Speas, two players with massive upside.
You won’t find a better keeper between the posts than Andy Gruenebaum. There’s depth there with Matt Lampson and now Daniel Withrow.
It’s going to be a banner year for the Columbus Crew. We can’t wait until Saturday. It is an exciting team for American soccer fans. And an even more exciting to be a supporter of America’s Hardest Working Team, the Columbus Crew.
