When the Columbus Crew traded Edson Buddle away just before the start of the season, a large burden was placed on first-round picks Jason Garey and Kei Kamara. The Crew were expected to be a team solid in the back, but youthful in the attack. The season hinged on the ability to quickly develop the inexperienced front line.
Despite few rough stretches near the beginning of the season, the defense did its part as the Black & Gold picked up three 1-0 victories in the first seven matches of the season. In that time, Garey made some progress after missing time early due to injuries, scoring the lone goal in a shutout victory at Real Salt Lake on May 6. But a right hamstring injury at the end of June slowed his effort and forced the third-overall pick to miss six games.
Garey came back from the injury and has now gone the full 90 minutes in four consecutive matches. His performance in Saturday's 3-0 victory against New England might be the turning point of his burgeoning career.
"I thought he became a pro," said Crew coach Sigi Schmid. "With the effort he put in and the way he played, he now knows much you have to give of yourself when playing at this level. He deserved a couple of goals."
Garey was limited to a goal, but his third-minute tally quelled the early nerves in the must-win match. In doing so, the former Maryland standout agreed with his coach about feeling at home on the field.
"I finally felt like one (a professional). I finally felt like I did in college," said Garey. "I was a leader on the field. I scored a goal."
Schmid agreed that Garey was emerging as a leader of the squad.
"Jason Garey is starting to step into that role as well," he said. "In the huddle before the game, he is the one barking.'
Garey said he thinks that the Crew's consistent lineup over the last several matches has given the club the confidence it needs to finish the season on a high note.
"Gelling takes a while. Once you figure it out, good things happen," said Garey. "We played with almost the same lineup for the last four games. We are finally starting to learn each other. I know where [Crew midifelder] Eddie Gaven is going to be now."
Despite the offensive struggles that put the Crew in danger of having the lowest scoring season ever in MLS, the Crew are still within striking distance of the playoffs and will need Garey to continue his growth to get them there.
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
