Crew Running on Defense

The Columbus Crew (1-1-2) will face off against Sporting Kansas City (1-1-1) in Columbus tonight at 7:30 eastern time. Columbus looks to continue their shutout streak this season; it stands at three games. They have not given up a goal since the opening game of the season where they gave up three. 

The team is young and seemingly without an outspoken leader on the pitch. That being said they have managed to put together a solid defense. One of the major reasons that the Crew have been able to shore up the back line is the outstanding play of Chad Marshall. He has been solid for the team all year, so much so that he was named to the team of the week for week four.  here were some doubts about the defense due to the injury of Andy Iro and the loss of Geno Padula and Frankie Hejduk. Despite these loses the Crew have been able to produce three consecutive shutouts. When asked about this, goalie William Hesmer stated, “When you talk about three shutouts you have to talk about team defending.  We are in the right spots.  We are doing a good job on the one-on-ones.  Our shape is pretty good.  We have some new guys in the back and they’re stepping up.  I don’t think the last three games Chivas, Dallas and New York had any clear chances.” 

That being said the Crew’s defense will be tested against the high flying attack of Sporting Kansas City. They have the highest average of goals scored so far this year, 2.67. The defense will be under constant pressure and will be tested. Will they be able to continue the shutout streak? Only time will tell. This may be a high scoring affair because SKC have also conceded the most goals scored this year, eight. This can help the Crew because that has been one of the major problems facing the Crew this and last year. Production for the Crew has been from the midfield; however that was when they had Guillermo Barros Schelotto.The forwards will have to produce in the run of play. 

There are two factors that will impact this game. The first is the formation. Last week the Crew were in a 4-2-3-1 which in my opinion is not conducive of the one forward scoring goals. This allows for the midfield to push forward and be more threatening. I think that if the Crew today go into a 4-4-2 this will make the forwards more of a problem for the SKC defense. Andres Mendoza, who is being paid big, needs a second forward to play off up top to be the most effective. If the goals can be produced by the forwards then look for a big score tonight.