KANSAS CITY - While undefeated on the season prior to Saturday, the Columbus Crew have been struggling a bit in attack, scoring just three goals in their first four games. But their defending has certainly been solid, and they nearly hung on for a fourth shutout already on the season before Jose Burciaga's last-minute strike gave the Kansas City Wizards a 1-0 victory.
"We're a team right now defensively that's reacting rather than initiating," said Crew coach Sigi Schmid. "We need to hold the ball better, we need to supply the ball better."
The game slowed in the second half, but that seemed to be an advantage for the Crew. The Crew had four shots on goal in the second half after none in the first half.
"We're still learning how to play together," said forward Jason Garey.
Another key to the lack of offense in recent games could be the suspension of forward Andy Herron, who was obtained from the Chicago Fire but served the second of his four-match ban on Saturday after an elbow to the face of the New England Revolution's Jay Heaps on April 19.
But even if the goals aren't coming, the entire team is making sure they give up little on the other end.
"Even though our wingers are playing high they're also helping with the outside backs," said midfielder Ned Grabavoy. "I think it's a collective thing from all 11 guys on the field."
Still, the Crew nearly got the one goal that it seemed would be all that was necessary for a victory, through a nearly fortunate bounce late in the match.
Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman tried to clear the ball in the 82nd minute, but a charging Garey blocked it. The deflection was headed to the goal but Wizards defender Jack Jewsbury steered it away about three feet from the goal line.
"I knew I could get there. I was just trying to ... block it, hoping that it would come down to me," said Garey, who came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.
The play resembled a blocked punt in football. Of course, Garey wasn't wearing American football padding.
"He (Hartman) can hit it as hard as he wants as long as it goes in the goal," said Garey.
Garey might have taken one for the team in a match that was more than average on the physical side. There were a total of 34 fouls committed, 22 by the Crew. The Crew received four yellow cards, the Wizards two. Perhaps the tight defense that the Crew have been displaying has also brought a few fouls along with it.
"It was getting pretty chippy, but that's the nature of the game," Garey said. "It was definitely a physical game."
Garey might be smarting a bit from the blocked ball, but somehow, someway, the Crew still need to find a goal.
"It stung a little bit, " Garey said. "Sometimes you need stuff like that to get the goals coming in."
Undoubtedly, the loss stung a bit for the Crew. They had played a tough, physical match. They were in it right to the end, but just needed that final finish for a goal. With this defense, one goal might be all the Crew need right now.
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
