The Columbus Crew will be without the theatrical play of forward Alejandro Moreno next season. Moreno was among 10 players chosen by the expansion Philadelphia Union. The Crew have great depth, which meant they would lose a player in the draft. It was surprising to see Peter Nowak pass on veteran Frankie Hejduk and rising star Andy Iro. It was even more surprising to see Nowak choose Moreno over young Venezuelan striker Emilio Renteria. Apparently he needed some experience upfront and Moreno will
In the final week of the MLS season, seven teams will contend for three playoff berths. Only three clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs (New York, San Jose, Kansas City), while five have clinched passage to the playoffs (Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Chivas USA, Seattle). There are several scenarios for the remaining clubs and it is complicated to say the least. All of this is discussed in detail in the 2009 Rules of Competition.
Congratulations to Frankie Hejduk of the Columbus Crew, who was named to the U.S. roster for the qualifiers against Honduras and Costa Rica. Hejduk is the heart and soul of the Crew and can provide a similar presence for the National Team. Frankie will provide veteran experience to a squad that is a few small steps from qualification for the 2010 World Cup.
Congratulations to defender Chad Marshall of the Columbus Crew, who received the MLS Player of the Week for Week 22. Marshall came away with a game-winning goal on Saturday, but that wasn’t all. He anchored the defense and helped the Crew claim yet another shutout victory. The goal was his fourth of the season, not bad for a defender. Marshall was a key figure in the 2008 Crew that won the MLS Cup; he will be counted on again this year as the
The CONCACAF Champions League group play will begin this Monday as the Columbus face the Puerto Rico Islanders. The Crew are the defending MLS Cup Champions, while the Islanders were surprise semifinalists last season. The remaining teams (16) have been placed in four groups (A,B,C,D): A-Isidro Metapan, Arabe Unido, the Houston Dynamo, and Pachuca B-D.C. United, Marathón, San Juan Jabloteh, and Toluca C-Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Saprissa, and the Puerto Rico Islanders D-Comunicaciones, Pumas UNAM, Real España, and W Connection
The trade of Pat Noonan to the Rapids brings back some old rumors. The Crew now have a little breathing room regarding cap space. Will Palermo finally come to MLS to be reunited with Guillermo Barros Schelotto? We will know soon as his contract expires June 30. It sounds like he might be interested. Reputable sources like Sports Illustrated and Soccer America have discussed it. I hope the league takes notice and brings another legend to America. Imagine David Beckham facing off