that's just fun," Cunningham said. "My goal this season is to help this team get to the playoffs, and whatever role the coaches want me to play, I'm willing to do that. Eventually I'll get 100, this season, next season, whenever, that's not necessarily my primary goal."
Last year, Columbus finished in last place with a record of 8-15-9, but the Crew might be able to make the playoffs this year with the additions of Danny O'Rourke and Andy Herron. Players like Frankie Hejduk, Jason Garey and Eddie Gaven could make things difficult for RSL.
"Nothing's easy in this league; I learned that a long time ago," Real coach John Ellinger said. "We need to come out and play 90-plus minutes, if it's possible, like we played the first half [against Dallas]."
Last week, Ellinger replaced Eddie Pope and Ballouchy because of injuries, but both players should be back in the starting lineup against the Crew.
"The first half was extremely positive, and we were a very good team," Ellinger said. "If we can do the little things right, we can be a contender. We have to get in the playoffs to be a contender, but I think we have potential."
Peter Richins is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
