The Crew was able to defeat Real Salt Lake 1-0 this past Saturday, but that’s about allyou could say.
After a game that featured little real offense, the Crew won from a Penalty kick awarded in the First Half. Guillermo Barros Schelotto (imagine that) placed a perfectly placed penalty into the back of the net, beating Real Salt Lake Keeper Nick Rimando. Rimando actually went the right way on the penalty, but no keeper could have stopped that strike from Schelotto. I bet his missed penalty against Dallas was on his mind during that kick.
The game was played in some of the worst weather that Crew Stadium has seen in some time. Two things stick out in my mind in this game, one positive, and one negative.
The Good: Kepper William Hesmer. Period. William Hesmer played a MASSIVE game for the Crew, saving the 3 points for the Crew on multiple occasions in the second half. The Nordecke held their collective breaths and then went crazy after Hesmer made outstanding save after outstanding save.
The defense has some weak spots in this game on a few occasions, but the Crew was lucky to have Will mending the nets on Saturday.
It’s hard to pick a save of the game, but for me, I have to say it was a combination of amazing athletic play, and the ability to recover from an errand pass that was given to him by one of the Crew defenders. Real Salt Lake had an incredible opportunity to score early on in the first half, from a lazy pass back into the backfield. The ball was intercepted by a Real Salt Lake player who had already gone passed Hesmer. Hesmer ran back and challenged on the play, and then knocked the ball out of bounce. It was incredible. If we were in England, he would be on the Top Ten highlights of the week, for sure.
The Bad: The Offense. The Crew managed just one shot on goal all game. One. That shot? From a penalty kick in the first half. The crew had plenty of chances to score in the second half, and was attacking strong, but just couldn’t muster the shot on goal.
While watching the game, I had the frustrating feel of someone’s big brother playing down to make the game more close. I had the feeling of a better team just missing that last pass that last shot, etc. from dominating the game.
A special mention should go to the Crew fans that stayed throughout the game. In crazy weather, Nordecke still was well represented. That is dedication.
Notes from the Match:
-Again, still no scoring up top from any of the other forwards not named Schelotto. Steven Lenhart didn’t have one of his better games. I think Lenhart puts himself in the right positions, challenges and provides amazing energy, but when the ball was at his feet, he was questionable inside the box. He did have a few great touches on passes. I think he just needs that first goal this year, and then watch out. He is a freak athlete, big, tall and fast.
-Still no signs of Sergio Herrera. I think the Crew needs a pure scoring forward up top, but I’m not sure we even need Herrera. I would LOVE to be proved wrong, however.
-Jed Zayner made his first appearance of the season after rehabbing from injury. He came in as a sub for Gino Padula in the second half. He seemed a bit rusty, but I believe us Crew fans are seeing the future of our back line once Frankie hangs them up.
-Speaking of Gino Padula, he had his first start of the season. Gino, I thought played really well for most of the game. I only remember seeing him get beat once during the first half, and he played solidly in the second. Gino, like Frankie Hejduk, is a pretty decent attacking the ball and making some runs. I thought he played a great game. According to some news on Twitter, he might have suffered an injury. I hope not, because he makes Robbie Rogers play better.
-Robbie Rogers played his best game for the Crew in some time. He attacked well, made better decisions, drew the penalty kick, and fired an absolute rocket that sailed just high of the post. I really think that being paired with Gino helps his confidence on the pitch.
-This team has great depth on defense. Marshall, Iro, Brunner, Zayner, Hejduk and Padula are all capable on the backline for us.
Man of the Match: William Hesmer. Who else? Hesmer played great, earned the shutout, and had amazing saves. He was thoroughly tested on Saturday, and played well
Up Next:
The Crew will travel to Seattle to play the Sounders. Always tough at home, The Crew will have their work cut out for them. They will definitely need more than one shot on goal to win in a hostile environment. I’m hoping for a tie, but I think this is a game that the Crew should be concerned about.
Tags:
columbus crew,
frankie hejduk,
gino padula,
guillermo barros schelotto,
jed zayner,
mls,
real salt lake,
robbie rogers,
steven lenhart,
william hesmer
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