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The Dispatch has confirmed that Eddie Gaven has torn his ACL and is out for the year. Gaven was injured in Wednesday's Open Cup game against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Gaven had scored his first goal of the year earlier in the match that the Crew won 2-1.
This is a tough blow to a team that is still trying to find the right mix on offense. Gaven had four assists in MLS league play and was an influential figure both on and off the field. He has a reputation of being indefatigable and has been consistently healthy throughout his MLS career. He missed two games this season due to injury, but started and went the distance in the other ten. Gaven was the only Crew player to start all 34 games for the team last year, leading the team in minutes played.
Head Coach Robert Warzycha now has another hole to fill in his lineup. Ben Speas, Justin Meram, and Ethan Finlay all have chances to step into the lineup. Warzycha likely will be tempted to move Dominic Oduro back to the right wing to shore up a rapidly thinning midfield.