The Columbus Crew have never stopped believing this season.
After a 9-11-10 season a year ago left the Crew on the outside watching the MLS Cup Playoffs -- for the third consecutive year -- the Crew have catapulted themselves to a 7-4-1 record.
Saturday's 3-0 victory against the Kansas City Wizards not only put an end to a three-game losing run, but it also saw an end put to a 370-minute scoreless streak.
"I think we're believing in what we're doing a little more," said Crew forward Alejandro Moreno. "I think we're a little more consistent in how we're playing. And as a whole the team believes that we're capable of wins whether it is at home or the road."
The Crew had plenty of statistics to back up their beliefs. They lit up the scoreboard with two quick goals, from Chad Marshall in the third minute and Moreno in the 20th, putting six shots on target in all. Defensively, they shut down an explosive Wizards offense.
"I think we've found a bunch of guys who like to play together," said Crew midfielder Brian Carroll. "We've found the missing pieces."
The key for the Crew turning around their fortunes could be pointed to from one thing: simply the difference one season can make for young players.
"The team has just matured," said Crew coach Sigi Schmid. "The best example of that is Robbie Rogers."
Against the Wizards, the Crew were successful in isolating Rogers offensively. Rogers helped create openings for the Crew strike pair of Moreno and Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who combined for two goals and an assist on the night.
Moreno certainly scrapped for his second goal. He hustled down the field, followed up a Schelotto chip in the penalty area, and hammered a drive inside the left-hand post from about 10 yards away.
"I was following the play," Moreno said. "And as I saw the play the ball was deflected back to me. And I decided to have a go and I hit it pretty well and I put it in the back of the net."
After being shut out in their last four games, the Crew knew it wasn't necessarily going to the beautiful game that got them back to their winning ways.
"It's a pretty small field so it's cut out for more of a battle than it is a game that can be played pretty," goalkeeper William Hesmer said. "And we're pretty good at doing that."
They're snagging loose balls. They're believing in themselves. And they have a focus that was perhaps missing at times last season.
As if on cue, the song "Don't Stop Believing" blared from the locker room boom box. Some players sang along, celebrating their victory with a song of hope. The Crew might have found a familiar tune emblematic of their season. Winning brings along with it believing.
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
