MLS 2010 Preview: Columbus Crew

Wednesday, 24 March 10, 07:13 AM · Comments (0)

The rise of the Columbus Crew has been a slow and steady one, but it doesn't seem like the new powerhouse will go away anytime soon.

The back-to-back Supporters' Shield winners are locked and loaded for a third consecutive chance at finishing top of the league during the regular season campaign. Playing a major role in that was the return of Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

With a solid midfield in front of one of the league's best defenses, there's every reason to put the Crew at the top of the league right now.

Impact Players

Offensively, Schelotto is once again the driving and creative force, playing as a withdrawn forward/attacking midfielder. He'll need to pace himself at 36 (turning 37 in May) but the former MLS MVP is the difference for Columbus' offense.

Providing Schelotto support will be the wide play of Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers. The former is an established veteran who contributes on a regular basis, while the latter has the tendency to disappear and play inconsistently out wide. Rogers can only help himself with a solid start, given that he's in the hunt for a World Cup roster spot.

In possession of perhaps the most formidable back line in the league, at the heart of the defense is Chad Marshall. The hulking two-time defensive player of the year has battled injury problems in recent times. Marshall could miss a chunk of the season with World Cup duty as well, though at the moment is on the outside looking in.

Big Question

Will Columbus make it two out of three?

Last season came to close in a disappointing fashion, falling to the eventual champions Real Salt Lake in the first round of the playoffs. There's been little to no major turnover aside from Alejandro Moreno's departure to Philadelphia, and in a relative open Eastern Conference Columbus should make the playoffs with ease.

2010 Outlook

They can't let success get to their heads, but it's safe to rank Columbus near the top of the league heading into the season. That all could change if it goes to pieces on the field -- though with Schelotto back in the fold and Will Hesmer behind a good defense, anything short of the playoffs would be a massive disappointment.

Even if they manage that, this could be the last season Columbus can keep their core together. Schelotto isn't getting any younger, and Robert Warzycha will be facing high expectations.

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MLS 2010 Preview: Columbus Crew

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