Head coach Sigi Schmid wasted no time getting Ryan Coiner into the lineup as the Columbus Crew's new target man. Coiner lasted just more than an hour in the Crew's midweek loss to the New York Red Bulls, and while he showed promise in his first match in six weeks, it will still take some time for the striker to adjust to the MLS schedule.
"It (two games a week) is something that I am not used to at all," said Coiner. "In Germany, we played every Saturday and had a full week of training to look at our mistakes."
But with the quick turnaround this week, as the Crew play host to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, Coiner will not be able to get in as much training time as he would like.
"Now, we don't have any time to do anything other than regenerate. It is frustrating because I would like to get out and work on my finishing, crossing, and quickness, but there just isn't time," said the former University of San Diego star. "With this heat and this schedule, it is pretty demanding."
Coiner spent the last three years in the German Third Division, playing the 2005/2006 season with Holstein Kiel where he tallied 10 goals in 31 games, before signing with the Crew on July 13.
With the All-Star break quickly approaching, Coiner said that he hopes to be completely fit coming out of it.
"I hope to use the next two weeks as a training camp. Then during the break, I can find my legs again and be fresh," said Coiner. "I think that is a realistic goal."
In addition to fitness, the Crew forward needs some time to become acquainted with his new teammates. On several occasions on Wednesday, Coiner and Marc Burch were not on the same page when trying to combine on the left wing.
"He (Burch) is new to the team. I am new to the team. We are new to each other," said Coiner. "I expect that next three or four weeks will be a learning curve."
Despite being limited by his fitness level, Coiner showed signs that he could be a player that could help end the Crew's offensive struggles. He made several good runs off the ball and showed the ability to hold the ball under pressure while waiting for the midfield to join in the attack.
"Ryan did well for us. He was holding the ball, moving the ball off of the midfielders, and getting behind the defense," said captain Ritchie Kotschau.
Added Schmid: "I thought Ryan Coiner helped us up front because he was holding the ball."
Moreover, the Crew boss sees Coiner as someone that can help become an attacker that the team can rally behind.
"I think Ryan Coiner will develop into a leader for us," said Schmid.
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
