It's Groundhog Day! As far as we can tell Robert Warzycha changed the lineup and formation seemingly for no reason, and the Crew were eviscerated. As long as four guys aren't playing out of position, they should be good.

‘Give me the ball.’ I have no trouble keeping it with my feet and making the right decision.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Statement from Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers on the condition of defender Julius James:

Julius has successfully undergone a corrective procedure to treat a spontaneous pneumothorax that was diagnosed on Thursday (April 5). He remains hospitalized and his condition will be monitored closely in the coming days, but he is resting comfortably and his prognosis for a full recovery is excellent, which is our primary concern. No timeline for his return to action has been established at this time."

Quick Thought...

Don't be surprised if you see freshly signed Nemanja Vukovic start at left back on Saturday.

I fully expect that Crew Stadium will be a site for the U.S. - Mexico World Cup Qualifier. Our history of success with the U.S. National Team in this venue, both on and off the field, speaks for itself.

Columbus Crew at Colorado Rapids – A playoff rematch, and one that has some interesting points to look at. Colorado has a new coach and a new formation while the Crew are once again going into the season with lots of questions. Fitness will be a key element of this game and the Crew have some injuries in the back to worry about with guys like Rich Balchan sitting this one out. Colorado always seem to have Columbus’ number at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, I see that trend continuing.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 2, Columbus 1

The Crew extended offers to three players during the offseason but was unable to come to terms with any of them. One passed up an offer of $750,000, and the Crew balked at signing a player whose club wanted an extra $200,000 in compensation.

Good luck with your surgery today! @RichBalchan

Columbus Crew play to a 2-2 tie verses Carolina Cup hosts Charleston Battery. Charleston manages the tying goal on a penalty kick in injury time. Eddie Gaven and Milovan Merosevic score for the Crew.

We still have a Discovery [claim] on Laing, He’s gone to Salt Lake, but he’s still our player. We’re bringing somebody else to Charleston, so we’ll see how that works.