COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew will be without star defender Chad Marshall for Saturday's match against the Colorado Rapids. The young defender was injured in last weekend's 4-1 friendly win against Chilean powerhouse Universidad Catolica. Marshall scored the first goal just before halftime before leaving with seven minutes remaining.
Describing the injury, Crew coach Greg Andrulis said, "He had a ligament torn off of his finger in the game on Saturday night. They had to repair it. He will be out for this weekend."
Andrulis also noted that Marshall should only miss one match and should be ready to play against the MetroStars on the following weekend. Stephen Herdsman is likely to fill Marshall's spot and pair with Robin Fraser in the center of the defense.
In addition to Marshall, several other regulars were absent from Thursday's training session. Frankie Hejduk and Mario Rodriguez both played vital roles in their respective countries World Cup qualifying efforts on Wednesday.
Hejduk went the full 90 minutes in the USA's 3-0 win at Panama and set up the final goal. Following a clear from a corner kick, the Crew star blasted in a shot from 30 yards that wasn't well cleared by a defender. The deflection went directly to former Crew great Brian McBride who easily finished.
Mario Rodriguez scored a goal for Guatemala to level the match against Costa Rica before a last second goal sent the Costa Ricans to victory. Both return in time for the weekend's match.
Additionally, youngsters Danny Szetela (USA) and Luis Gallardo (Panama) are in the Netherlands for the Youth World Cup that begins on Friday.
Thursday also marked the first practice for newly acquired striker John Wolyniec.
"We have a great addition to the team this week with the addition of John Wolyniec," said rookie goalkeeper Bill Gaudette. "I am really excited to have him and I think he can make a difference."
Former D.C. United and Kansas City Wizards veteran Stephen Armstrong is expected to be added to the Crew roster soon.
"He is here and trained. He is just waiting for his visa, which usually takes from one to two weeks. Hopefully, he will be ready for next weekend," said Andrulis. "He is a versatile guy. I think it is important to add a veteran of the league."
Armstrong is a replacement that the Crew received following season-ending injuries to Ross Paule and Duncan Oughton.
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
