Columbus Crew
Crew Stadium (Capacity: 22,555)
2005 Record: 11-16-5, 38 pts. 6th in the Eastern Conference
GF: 34 (10th in MLS)
GA: 45 (tied for 7th in MLS)
Finish: Did not qualify for MLS Cup Playoffs.
Head Coach: Sigi Schmid
Key Departures: Defender Robin Fraser, midfielder Simon Elliott, midfielder Chris Henderson, forward Cornell Glen
Key Additions: Midfielder Sebastian Rozental, defender Marcos Gonzalez, defender Tim Ward, defender Ritchie Kotschau, forward Jason Garey, forward Kei Kamara
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Jon Busch: Busch will aim for a return to the form that made him one of the league's best 'keepers before tearing his right ACL early last season. The fan favorite was the backbone of the squad en route to winning the Supporters' Shield in 2004. Jonny Walker, despite being slowed by a lower back injury during the preseason, will fiercely challenge Busch for the job after coming off a solid 2005 campaign.
DEFENDERS
Frankie Hejduk: The two-time World Cup participant is a ball of energy along the right flank. The Crew will look to Hejduk to provide more leadership in his fourth season in Columbus. His likely inclusion on the U.S. World Cup roster opens the door for Joel Kitamirike, Rusty Pierce and/or Jed Zayner.
Chad Marshall: While it is difficult to call it a sophomore slump, Marshall underwent more difficulties during his second professional season than in his first. After learning from Robin Fraser, the Crew hopes the normally outspoken Marshall can anchor the squad from the center of the defense. Expect more goals from set pieces after looking very dangerous during his first two years.
Marcos Gonzalez: Although certainly capable, the Chilean defender has big shoes to fill in replacing Fraser. His ability to mesh with Marshall, in spite of a potential language barrier, is an absolute must.
Ritchie Kotschau: The MLS veteran is a tough-nosed presence who has earned the respect of his new teammates. Tim Ward will also get a good look as head coach Sigi Schmid looks for an attacking mentality from the outside backs.
MIDFIELDERS
Brandon Moss: The Crew were unable to find a midfield maestro to replace Simon Elliott. Duncan Oughton could take over this role, but will be out until June as he recovers from major knee surgery. Moss, a rookie from New Mexico who has earned rave reviews during camp, appears to be the first man to get a chance.
Danny Szetela: With a lack of choices at right midfield and in a holding role, Schmid needs the youngster to quickly become a cornerstone. The ability of Szetela to fulfill his potential will have a major influence on who the Crew goes after during the August transfer window.
Kyle Martino: The former MLS Rookie of the Year was surprisingly held goalless during the 2005 season. Martino will especially be looking forward to fresh start in a system where he knows the expectations from week to week. He will be the legs to compliment Rozental's vision.
Sebastian Rozental: The Chilean brings an attacking mindset desperately needed for years. As the only established attacker brought in thus far, the Crew are taking a gamble that his knees can withstand the season.
FORWARDS
Edson Buddle: Talent has never been a concern for the Crew's top striker. The club is looking for more consistency and maturity during the 2006 campaign. If he can remain free of injuries and suspensions, Buddle will easily set his personal scoring records.
John Wolyniec: The MLS veteran, thanks to his steady and workmanlike effort, will likely beat out several youngsters for the starting nod as the Crew yearns for a strong start. M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winner Jason Garey, a player struggling through injuries during the preseason, along with fellow rookie Kei Kamara and second-year man Knox Cameron will provide stiff competition.
OUTLOOK
With such a large roster turnover, Columbus needs to develop the team chemistry quickly to get a fast start out of the gate. A few early wins is more important than ever as the Crew try to put the taste of last season out of their memory. A strong backline should be able to keep them in matches, especially with Busch's return. However, the club is thin and young in several key attacking positions which make it potentially a real struggle to find the back of the net. If the Crew can stay healthy up top and see several veterans and youngsters step up and get a consistent source of goals, then the MLS Cup Playoffs are within reach.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT: Sebastian Rozental
Rozental is the only proven attacker added to a team with an anemic goal scoring record. If his knees cannot withstand the rigors of a full MLS season, the Crew will forced to overly depend upon Martino and Buddle and be even more desperate for the rapid development of untested rookie forwards.
John Kuhn is a contirbutor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
