Crew: The value of field leadership.. Crew 1-0 RBNY

Sigi Schmidt blew up the Crew.. that you may know.

What he didnt realize, coming in, was how much he was affecting the core of the team, players who HAD played for Sigi at the Gals; Robin Fraser didnt care to battle for a starting spot at CB, Simon Elliot didnt care to be cut by Sigi, again, either.. and we all know what he did about it.

I'm sure he was counting on Hejduk and Jon Bush.. but both got injured. Which left the Crew with only ONE holdover starter.. but Chad Marshall just isnt cut from the field leader cloth.

Well, Saturday, Sigi brought back a Crew fan favorite.. and our own version of 'Charlie Hustle'

Duncan Oughton, NZ International D-Mid, went out with a serious knee injury in Oct '04 and reinjured in spring 05 and hadnt played since.

But he hung around Columbus waiting for his chance, even though the Crew had to cut him to make room for another Senior International (Oughton's Green Card is in progress but those things are SLOW)

Last night he not only played for the first time since 04, but he started wearing the Captain's Armband.

To cap it off, he put the ball in the net, but it was called back for off-side.

But his effect was felt... the Crew atacked and pressed the full 90 minutes plus, and never gave up... and Ngwenya had a beautiful 50 yard run, resulting in a GOTW candidate netter.

The Crew is back... and you could cut the relief felt by fans with a knife.

Even better that it was against Arena.

 

Great crowd last night with this team struggling. A great win against the arrogant Bruce Arena. I dont think anyone should critcize Sigi because of the injury situation the Crew have.

 

But... it wasnt JUST the injuries and Sigi's said as much..

Also no core team could emerge while he made game/game changes..

Was tied in with a 'Raven' concert prior to match... but those who remained {about 14,000 actual} really got into the game.

 

Isn't there a Crew website for all this Fulham non-related crap.

Yes, I am pissed off today, and the MSL is my punching bag.

 

Crew has a good opportunity to win against the Revs next week without Dempsey and Franchino.