BRADENTON, Florida - The Columbus Crew defeated the Kansas City Wizards 4-0 Saturday in its first preseason match of 2008. The scrimmage, conducted in three 30 minute sessions, was held at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.
The Crew scored its first goal in the 27th minute as Eddie Gaven's shot was saved by Kevin Hartman, but Steven Lenhart gathered the rebound and netted it home to give Columbus the lead.
The Black and Gold continued with much of the same in the second session when a deflected ball at the top of the Wizards' box found Guilherme So who deposited the loose ball into the back of the net in the 53rd minute for the Crew's second goal.
Columbus finished off its first scrimmage of the preseason with two more goals in the third session to seal the victory. The third goal came when Kevin Burns' corner kick in the 80th minute found George Josten who headed the service past the Wizards' goalkeeper and into the net. The final goal of the day came in the 82 minute when Tukasz Tumicz found George Josten with a pass on the right side. Josten then attacked the box and fed the ball to Ricardo Pierre-Louis for the close range goal, giving Columbus the 4-0 victory.
The Crew will continue preseason training over the next several days before returning to the field for two more preseason games later in the week. The Crew will face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, Feb. 13 and the U.S. Under-17 National Team on Thursday, Feb. 14. Both matches will also be played at IMG Academies in Bradenton.
Columbus Crew vs. Kansas City Wizards (Scrimmage)
February 9, 2008 - IMG Academies (Bradenton, Florida)
Scoring Summary:
CLB - Steven Lenhart (unassisted) 27th
CLB - Guilherme So (Oughton) 53th
CLB - George Josten (Burns) 80th
CLB - Ricardo Pierre-Louis (Josten, Tumicz) 82th
Crew Lineups
1st 30:
Will Hesmer, Ryan Miller, Danny O'Rourke, Ezra Hendrickson, Tim Ward, Brian Carroll, Alvaro, Eddie Gaven, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Steven Lenhart
2nd 30:
Andy Gruenebaum, Ryan Miller (Zayner 50), Chad Marshall, Andy Iro, Leonard Griffin, Robbie Rogers, Stefani Miglioranzi, Duncan Oughton, Sandro da Silva, Guilherme So, Alejandro Moreno
3rd 30:
Kenny Schoeni, Zola Short, Jed Zayner, Ryan Junge, Andrew Peterson, George Josten, Kevin Burns, Emanuel Ekpo, Cory Elenio, Lukasz Tumicz, Ricardo Pierre-Louis
