COLUMBUS, Ohio - After undergoing physicals and testing over the last two days, the Crew officially takes to the field for the first time in 2008 today at the SuperKick/TeamZone facility in Lewis Center (409 Orangepointe Drive). After a week in Columbus, the team will then continue preparations for its 13th Major League Soccer season in Florida from Feb. 2-17. Details about the rest of the club's preseason training camp will be released in the near future. The Crew opens the regular season at home vs. Eastern Conference-rival Toronto FC on Saturday, March 29.
CREW TRAINING SCHEDULE
(Media availability at the conclusion of training)
Tues., 1/29 Training at SuperKick, 10 a.m.
Wed., 1/30 Training at SuperKick, 10 a.m.
Thur., 1/31 Training at SuperKick, 10 a.m.
Fri., 2/1 Training at SuperKick, 10 a.m.
Sat., 2/2 Depart for Florida
Feb. 2-17 Training in Florida
HEJDUK TO ANSWER QUESTIONS IN WEB CHAT AT THECREW.COM WEDNESDAY
With training camp now underway, veteran defender Frankie Hejduk will be on-line Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. ET to answer questions about the upcoming season. Click here to submit questions and follow along with Frankie's chat on Wednesday.
CREW DEFENDER BRANDON MOSS RETIRES
Still struggling to fully recover from a serious knee injury suffered on May 30, Crew defender Brandon Moss has announced his retirement from professional soccer. Selected by the Crew in the third round (No. 27 overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, Moss appeared in 20 games, 17 of them starting assignments, during his rookie season in Columbus. He did not appear in a match in 2007 before the injury derailed the remainder of his season and, ultimately, career.
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AS STAGE TAKES SHAPE AT CREW STADIUM
The new permanent stage being constructed in Crew Stadium's north end is taking shape. Work began on Sept. 10 and the project is scheduled to be completed on April 15. The stage will measure 60 feet deep by 120 feet wide. Click here to view a fact sheet detailing more features of the stage and here to view a photo gallery chronicling the project's progress so far.
CREW IN THE COMMUNITY
Crew players are back in town and making their presence felt throughout the community this week. (PLEASE NOTE: Players listed are scheduled to appear; Subject to change at any time).
Who: Jed Zayner, Ryan Junge
What: Children's Hospital visit
When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m.
Where: Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus 43205
Who: Frankie Hejduk, Duncan Oughton, Alejandro Moreno, Chad Marshall and Brian Carroll
What: Autograph signing at Columbus Blue Jackets game
When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6-7 p.m. (pre-game)
Where: Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Plaza, Columbus 43215
Who: Jed Zayner
What: A former youth hockey player, Zayner will participate in pregame festivities at the Columbus Blue Jackets game by performing the ceremonial skating of the Blue Jackets flag to center ice.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, approx. 6:45 p.m. (pre-game)
Where: Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Plaza, Columbus 43215
Who: Jason Garey, Leonard Griffin
What: Skills demo, autograph signing
When: Thursday, Jan. 31, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Sawyer Recreation Center, 1056 Atcheson Street, Columbus 43203
Who: Alejandro Moreno, Stefani Miglioranzi
What: School Assembly
When: Friday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m.
Where: Clinton Elementary, 10 Clinton Heights Avenue, Columbus 43202
