Wednesday's Practice Pitch Updates with Audio

On Wednesday at Columbus Crew training, the majority of the players competed in a big field, 11 v. 11 scrimmage to conclude the day. The two teams were divided evenly and it was good competition.

When they finished, several players worked on individual things or in small groups. Wil Trapp and Tony Tchani worked with assistant coach Josh Wolff on passing and ball movement with Wolff playing the role of a forward checking back to the ball.

Ethan Finlay continued his journey back to fitness, today working on finishing crosses from head coach Gregg Berhalter. Josh Williams and Fifi Baiden jogged around the outside of the fields, just like on Tuesday.

Conversation with Berhalter

• Berhalter was asked about the ups and downs of the offense and how they can get things going again. He said they take each game one at a time and they want to improve on the things they didn't do well last game. He said they missed the determination to get behind FC Dallas' back line and put them under pressure and that's what they're focusing on.
• Asked about being shutout six times already this year, Berhalter pointed to the way teams are playing them. He used the example of Dallas, who played with 10 guys behind the ball and countered. He said it's difficult to break down but they've proven they can do it but need to do so more consistently.
• Berhalter said the team believes in the system and what they're doing and they just need to keep developing. There were chances last game but they didn't put them away.
• Berhalter said he expects a fun game against the Colorado Rapids where they attack the Crew and play. He said those are the games they enjoy and make things entertaining.
• The head coach called Rapids' head coach Pablo Mastroeni a friend and competitive guy. He said it will be fun coaching against him.
• Berhalter said there's always something in MLS when asked about the altitude this weekend in Denver. He said they don't want to make excuses but there are factors that you have to deal with. Other team have done it and they have to do the same.
• Asked about how to deal with the altitude, Berhalter said they go out late, take some aspirin to thin the blood, and really push yourself in warm ups to get to that second wind earlier. He also correctly said he though he had never lost in Colorado - he is 2-0-1.
• Berhalter said they purposely played differently on Sunday against Dallas to allow Trapp to have a bit more freedom to go forward. He admitted that it won't always be that way, as sometimes they can get attack from other players. He said that decision was based on the personnel on the field.
• When asked about rumors that the Black and Gold might be getting close to getting a deal done for a player, Berhalter denied it saying he didn't know where that rumor would come from. "I wish," he said.
• Berhalter said once again they have not fielded any offers for Giancarlo Gonzalez. He said there will always be agents trying to communicate, but they don't take it seriously unless it's club to club.
• Asked if he's had much contact with Gonzalez while at the World Cup, he said he has. He said the center back is doing great and is thankful for the Crew for supporting him and putting him in a position to succeed.

Berhalter 07-02