Wednesday's friendly against Everton FC allowed the Columbus Crew to give some time to players who haven't recently figured in league play.
On the scoreboard, things were very familiar: Just as last Saturday afternoon, the Crew jumped out to an early lead, only to be pegged back before settling for a 1-1 draw.
But some Crew players put themselves in a position to contend for more minutes in the league campaign. Sebastian Rozental scored the Crew's lone goal, a strike from some 20 yards in the 14th minute that gave his team the lead.
"Obviously earlier in the game, it was a good goal by Sebastian," said Crew head coach Sigi Schmid.
Rozental has been relegated recently to few minutes in MLS action but had three assists in the Crew's U.S. Open Cup third round match and now a goal against English Premier League competition.
"You have train to hard and take the opportunity when it comes," said the Crew goal scorer. "Today, I had the chance and I am happy because the team played well. It feels good against a Premier League team even if you are at a different stage. For confidence, it is important."
The lead lasted for nearly 20 minutes before Victor Anichebe finished the first half with a flurry of chances.
"He should have had three goals," said Everton coach David Moyes.
Anichebe did get the equalizer for Everton in the 33rd minute after Chad Marshall turned the ball over to Kevin Kilbane near midfield, who teamed up with Delron Buckley to set up the goal.
"I thought Chad, taking away that one error, had a good game," said Schmid. "But obviously that error was pretty big."
The Nigerian striker hit the post soon thereafter and couldn't convert an open goal chance after Bill Gaudette wandered out of goal before turning over the ball.
"I thought a couple of times we were a little naïve with our defending and gave the ball away a little too easily," said Schmid.
However, among the bright spots, Schmid liked to see his team taking attempts at goal.
"I saw us shooting more," said the Crew boss. "It wasn't always very accurate but at least we were shooting more."
Additionally, Danny Szetela continued with comeback by going for the first 45 minutes of the match.
"We are trying to build his fitness. I thought his energy level was good. For 20 to 25 minutes, he looked really spry and quick," said Schmid. "The last 15 of the first half was pushing for him. It is important to get him back into the frame of it."
Szetela acknowledged he is not ready for a full match, but is ready to help the team with limited playing time.
"I am not fit for 90 minutes. Today, I played 45 and after 40 I was feeling pretty tired," said the Crew youngster. "I just hope to make the 18 and get into the game on Saturday."
Despite the fitness challenges, Schmid has been happy with Szetela's play thus far in his return from injury.
"Right now, I like the way he is playing because he has simplified his game," said Schmid.
On Saturday, the Crew will be looking to leapfrog the Fire out of the Eastern Conference basement heading into the all-star break.
"Ties aren't good enough for us. We need to go out on Saturday and get a result -- three points," said Szetela. "It will build our confidence up going into the all-star break."
John Kuhn is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
