it is DEFINITIELY wrong, in the eyes of Warzycha, to call some of them "reserves."
"We don't have a reserve team,' Warzycha bristled. "We have 23 players right now that can step up anytime on the field and win any game. Would you call the performance of Renteria or Burns that of a reserve? Everybody here on this club is contributing. We have a very deep squad. I can go with any player and as long as we are playing as a team, we can be very successful."
Whether the games have been played at Crew Stadium or at inhospitable locations with nicknames like "The Monster's Cave," the proof is in the results. With mix and match lineups, the Crew are 3-1-1 during a daunting two-week run of games against the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 teams in MLS, plus a pair of CONCACAF powers. Amazing.
GAME-WINNIN' GAVEN
For the third time in as many victories during this recent stretch, Eddie Gaven netted the game-winning goal for the Crew. In the 33rd minute, Emmanuel Ekpo sent a cross from the left flank. Gaven ran under it and nodded a looping header back toward the far post. The ball skidded off the wet field, hit the post, and went in.
"Manu played a good ball to me," Gaven said. "He played it perfectly, right onto my head. I jumped up and tried to head it to the far post and hoped it would go in. It did."
The crowd held its breath as the ball made its way toward the post. "When it first came off my head, I thought it was going to go wide," Gaven said. "Maybe it hit a rock or something and came back to the post and went in."
(While modesty has caused Eddie to assume that maybe a well-placed rock helped him score a goal, the existence of such a rock was highly unlikely. Let's all give a well-deserved tip of the cap to Brett Tanner and his guys on the grounds crew. On a rainy weekend, the stadium hosted two high school football games Friday night and three high school soccer games Saturday afternoon, yet the field was still in excellent shape for the Crew-Galaxy match. Unbelievable. Brett and his guys never cease to amaze me.)
Despite also scoring the game-winning goal in the Crew's historic victory at Saprissa and in stoppage time against Western Conference leaders Houston, Gaven has shrugged off his recent streak of game-winners.
"I think it's just the way this team is playing," he said. "The team has been awesome for the past month, getting some huge wins against some of the best teams in the league. I think it just comes down to the fact that the team is playing well."
LOS LUCHADORES
As some fans have noted, Steven Lenhart may be the most-nicknamed player in Crew history. His college nickname ("The Big Nasty"), last year's performance-related nicknames ("The Equalizer" and "Clutch"), and the newest nickname that melds his goal scoring abilities with his Art Garfunkel-esque white-boy afro ("Goalfunkel") are but the tip of the nickname iceberg. Not only that, but now it appears that his various partnerships on the forward line are destined to have their own nicknames as well. When paired with Jason Garey, Lenhart is one of the "Bash Brothers." And now that Emilio Renteria has decreed that he and Lenhart are both "Luchadores," it appears that their pairing will now be "Los Luchadores."
Los Luchadores combined for the Crew's second goal in the 59th minute. Renteria ran down a long clearance from Eric Brunner, nodded the ball past Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez, and then held the ball up as Gonzalez recovered. Renteria then spun on Gonzalez, striking a low shot through the defender's legs. Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made the initial save, but the shot was too hot to handle from such close range. The rebound spilled into the path of Lenhart, who blasted the ball into the empty net from a couple of yards away.
"Hardest one of the year," Lenhart deadpanned.
The official box score may say that Lenhart scored unassisted, but he disagrees. "Emilio did all the work. They should just give the goal to him."
The Big Nasty enjoyed his time up top with his fellow Luchador. "It's good," Lenhart said. "He works hard and we both kinda have the same style. We just run and hold guys off. You can put anyone up there and I like playing with them. But Emilio's a good player. He did all the hard work. I didn't do anything."
KILLING A GAME
One of the finest aspects of the Crew's performance was the way they killed the game. They did not sit back in bunker-and-blast mode. Rather, they were like 11 bullies playing keep-away with a nerd's backpack. The Galaxy fruitlessly chased the ball for the final ten minutes. During one four-and-a-half minute stretch from the 81st to the 85th minute, the Crew completed 53 passes, including two separate 14-pass possessions. In that same time, the Galaxy got hold of the ball only four times and completed four passes. Total.
"We knew we didn't want to sit back too much," said defender Danny O'Rourke. "By pressuring high and keeping a higher line than we normally do, it definitely helped. We were able to win the ball, and then keep it and make them chase."
"Leading two-nil, when we keep the ball, they are dead," said midfielder Adam Moffat. "The last 10 minutes, I think they knew it was game over. Passing it around was good. You see how the teams from Mexico, like Cruz Azul, are so good at that. They are just unbelievable at keeping the ball, so it was good to learn from those guys."
Warzycha was happy with how his team took some lessons from Cruz Azul and applied them toward putting away Los Angeles. "There was a lot of composure and a lot of movement by the players," he said. "Everybody was on the same page, and I was very happy with that. I told you that the games against Cruz Azul, we learned a lot. I think the game today showed that the guys have more trust between them and a lot of composure. They found out that possessing the ball is the best way to kill the game."
DEPTH AND TAXING
The Crew's incredible roster depth has allowed the team to flourish despite the taxing schedule. Playing in multiple competitions has traditionally worn down MLS clubs, yet the Crew are piling up results. They won on Saturday despite playing without the likes of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers, and Gino Padula, while bringing Alejandro Moreno off the bench.
"I think last year Houston and New England suffered from these games," said Moffat. "Every guy here wants to play. We had Kevin Burns make his debut, and he played well until he cramped up. And Emilio made his debut and did well to create the second goal. It really is a luxury to be able to rest guys and still get results in both tournaments."
"We've shown throughout this whole month that we have a deep team," said Gaven. "Any guy we put on that field is more than capable of getting the job done. I think it's definitely going to help us because we have many games yet to play."
For a guy like Burns, he knows that by training hard, he can earn his chance to play and make the most of it when the time comes. "Our practices are a battle," he said. "Everyone is playing for spots. Even guys like me who haven't seen a lot of minutes. I know there's a pecking order to the league, and a guy like Brian Carroll has gotten it done at every level, and Moffat has done well, and Danny's stepped in there now too. I think everyone at my position can do a good job. I tried to do the best I could."
The fact that Burns and Renteria gave quality performances in their first starts, helping the Crew to an important victory in the process, did not come as a surprise to O'Rourke.
"We knew that was going to happen," he said. "We talked about it beforehand. No matter who we put out there, we are going to bust our ass and play hard. That was evident tonight from everyone who stepped on the field.
"I think when you play on the best team in the league, everyone holds himself to a higher standard," O'Rourke continued. "You're playing for something bigger than yourself. You're playing for the team. You're playing for the community. You're playing for Duncan." (Duncan Oughton walked past as we spoke.)
To that end, O'Rourke has continued to bounce back and forth between the midfield and the back line. Keeping mentally attuned to different positions may be a bit chaotic, but he doesn't mind.
"I'm just hanging out, bro. Whatever. I'll play anywhere for the good of the team."
SCRAPPY
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was displeased with his team's effort in their loss.
"We were just second all night," he said. "The game had no rhythm. There were a lot of fouls and yellow cards. It was a sloppy game. I think that for 90 minutes, Columbus was first to most of the plays tonight. It was a scrappy game, and they won most of the matchups all over the field. Give them credit. Their effort was very good. We didn't have any quality tonight. We were poor. We weren't going to beat them tonight."
The second half was particularly physical, as evidenced by seven yellow cards.
"As soon as I entered," laughed Moffat. True enough, Moffat entered the game in the 56th minute, and in the 57th minute, he was the victim of a yellow card challenge from Jovan Kirovski, which was the first a few bumps endured by the Scot. "Once I got in, I got a guy kicking me. And I got an elbow in the groin. And then my hand went numb for 15 minutes."
Moffat proceed to show me a huge scar that ran from above and below his left elbow. "I got this playing soccer when I was 14 or 15," he said. "I went into a challenge and someone fell on top of me and crushed my elbow. I've got a metal plate in there now. Tonight, a guy got me right there and my hand went numb for 15 minutes. I kept moving my fingers waiting for them to come back."
On a side note, could you imagine if Lenhart had a metal plate in one of his gangly elbows? "It would be dangerous," Moffat said. "He would be in jail."
Speaking of Lenhart, Warzycha mused that the Big Nasty was in his element. "Steve played against Berhalter and Gonzalez, who are very physical guys," he said. "I think he likes that type of game, so it was good for him."
Lenhart agreed. "I like to wrestle when I play soccer."
Numb hand aside, Moffat didn't mind the physical play. "We can play physical, as well," he noted. "It's fun to get in those battles. It's not like teams can dominate us that way."
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Warzycha was happy to see the fans take such a liking to Renteria in his first start. "I think it's good because the fans can help a player, especially if he is a new one," Warzycha said. "It was his first start, so I think it was good that the fans (supported him). And then he responded with a nice shot that led to the second goal. We know what he can do."
With the win, the Crew ran their home unbeaten streak to 24 league matches and 26 games against MLS teams, counting the playoffs. Warzycha, as always, took a pragmatic approach when addressing the streak.
"I am taking it one game at a time," he said. "Whether it is home or away, we want go on the field and win. We try to do the best we can. Sometimes the outcome is different. You saw that against Cruz Azul. It was a good game by us, but we came up short. As long as we play hard and try our best, I am fine with that. (The streak) is something we will look back on and be proud of. One day, this streak will end. When? We do not know. With performances like this, it will probably take time."
BRUCE BEING BRUCE
"We've lost the fewest games in the league this year. It's not like we're going to have a crisis here." - Arena on losing the game. (The Galaxy actually have two more losses than the Crew, but the Galaxy have the second-fewest losses in the league, so maybe the point still stands.)
"It is what it was."- Arena's sing-song parting comment as he rounded the corner out the door. Classic.
DANCING
After scoring his goal, Lenhart gave a brief celebratory dance that made it look like he was shaking some maracas or something. I guess. It was goofy, whatever it was.
"You gotta dance," he said. "I love dancing. It makes me feel good."
"I was going to join him," said Moffat, "but then I thought, 'Nah, it's too far to run.' He's a dancer though. Wait until he dances in a kilt at my wedding."
Say what?
"The groomsmen will wear kilts," said Moffat, who is engaged to Lenhart's sister. "There's going to be bagpipes and kilts. In California. I bet it's the first time they will have seen THAT."
When told of Moffat's comment about dancing in a kilt, Lenhart laughed. "Oh my," he said. "I am not wearing any underwear and I am breaking it down. I am excited, dude. I've never actually worn a kilt in front of other people before. I am excited for the wedding. Two quality people."
DRUMMING UP SUPPORT
Once again, Lenhart walked off the field with a drumstick from the Nordecke. This happens after most games, and he's developing quite a collection.
"They're at my locker at Obetz, and I am up to about 10," he said. "I need a drum kit or something. I don't know who throws them, but whoever you are, reveal yourself!"
As luck would have it, Chris DeVille of Columbus Alive knows the guy who gives them away. It's a supporter named Mark Himmel.
"Tell Mark Himmel 'What's up'," said Lenhart. "I feel like I owe him something for all these drumsticks."
CREW FASHIONS
As I approached Danny O'Rourke's locker, I saw he was wearing a button-up v-neck sweater with a shirt and tie underneath.
I asked, "What's up, Mr. Rogers?"
Danny corrected me. "It's Coach Tressel."
Soon, Danny became fascinated by Duncan Oughton's shirt, which had some crazy stitched pattern that ran diagonally across the front.
"What is that, a little cross stitch across the front there?" asked O'Rourke. "Did you rip your shirt in half while you were lifting last night, and then stitched it up today? "
PERFECT TIMING
One could not have scripted more perfect or farcical timing than this. As I talked with Danny O, Shawn Mitchell shouted over, "Hey Danny, is this the best dressed guy on the team?"
Shawn was apparently referring to Emmanuel Ekpo, who had once again resurrected his "Rudy from the Fat Albert gang" outfit, complete with the same hat. However, we did not know this: In the moment it took Danny to finish what he was saying and for both of us to look at who Shawn was talking about, Manu had slipped around the corner to the sinks. Simultaneously, Adam Moffat had emerged from the shower wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. This was the perplexing scene as Shawn's words about the best dressed guy on the team hung in the air.
"WHO, ME?!?" blurted a befuddled Moffat.
Shock and confusion soon gave way to an appreciative grin. "Well thank you very much," he said as he struck some towel-kilt modeling poses to the laughter of everyone.
LIGAMENTAL ALIAS
Some locker room prankster had altered the Autograph Alley list on the locker room white board. It listed the following names....
Burns
Ekpo
Garey
Lenhart
MCL
Moffat
"MCL", of course, referred to Chad Marshall, who is currently out with a strained medial collateral ligament.
QUIP O' THE NIGHT
Radio man Neil Sika dropped this (approximated) gem during the broadcast: "Emilio Renteria is flagged for offside. It was close, but I think one of his massive lat muscles protruded behind the last defender."
OUGHTON'S INTRO-DUNC-TIONS (2009)
Yes, it's that time of year again. Starting in 2006, Duncan Oughton has been kind enough to get to know the Crew's newcomers and then share his completely accurate an unbiased findings with you, the fans, so that you can feel a bit closer to the new guys. Everyone on the roster except for Frankie Hejduk and Chad Marshall, who predate this custom, has been subject to an intro-Dunc-tion. Unlike 2006-08, when the roster was in perpetual flux, the 2009 Crew feature only three new players. As a result, I am just including them in this Notebook rather than as a stand-alone piece.
As always, the views expressed in these intro-Dunc-tions belong solely to Duncan Oughton and are not necessarily those of the Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer, or objective reality. But Duncan has never been one to exaggerate or to steer me wrong before, so I'll choose to believe every last word he has to say about Eric Brunner, Alex Grendi, and Emilio Renteria.
#23 Eric Brunner
"Eric Brunner is a guy where you could be having a conversation on the far side of the practice field and somehow he will get himself into the conversation and put his two cents in. And the thing is, his two cents are not even worth one cent. It's generally wrong and off-topic, which is why you generally hear a lot of people saying, 'Shut up, Brunner.' Around the locker room, you hear that all the time. It's either that one, or 'Go away, Brunner.' He's got a really great heart and he's an awesome guy, but I think more than a few people have referred to him as The World's Most Annoying Man. I think that's harsh, but that's their opinion.
"He's probably listening to our conversation right now, no matter how far away he is. He's liable to show up any second and say, 'Well I think blahblahblah.' He's always popping up in the strangest places. But he's a great guy in the locker room. He and Grendi easily take the most crap in the locker room. It's actually a battle within the team. It's either 'You're having an absolute Grendi' or 'You're having an absolute Brunner', and it varies day by day and week by week depending on who has done the dumber thing.
"Eric's from Dublin and went to Ohio State, so he is a double local. He tried to change states when he went to play at Maryland, but that state didn't want him, so he came back to Ohio, which is the only state in America that he is accepted in. Then he went to New York and then Miami, Florida, but he keeps ending up back in central Ohio. By now it's obvious that Eric Brunner is accepted by his people, but nobody else."
#3 Alex Grendi
"The saying 'an absolute Grendi' started when he missed an open goal from four yards at training, and I mean put it wide of one of the big goals from four yards, and then tore his meniscus at the same time. That's pulling an absolute Grendi.
"Alex is a true rookie. He went to some smart-kid school, but he has to be the dumbest smart kid I have ever met in my life. I don't even know if he knows how to fill in a check. Now that he's moved away and is trying to be a big boy, he is struggling with life in general. He has moved in with Andy Gruenebaum, which is a match made in heaven. I think he is now the co-owner of Rabbi Rentals, which is why he moved in there. It was a business arrangement."
(Note: In his 2006 intro-Dunc-tion of Gruenebaum, Oughton revealed that the Hebrew Hammer has an extensive DVD collection that serves as the inventory for his thriving underground DVD rental business, known as Rabbi Rentals.)
"Alex is a good kid who enjoys life, and he fits in well in the locker room. It's a good thing that he can take a lot of crap, because he and Brunner get a lot of it. It's now the way it should be. A few years ago, there were four old guys and all these new kids, and it was all backwards, but now we've got it back to where there are only two new kids who have to take all of the crap. But he's done well for himself. He's a good-hearted kid."
#20 Emilio Renteria
"No hablo espanol. That's me. No hablo inglais is him. Plus he's only just got here, so it's tough. He is starting to learn some English, though. He didn't have a shirt in his locker at training, so Robbie told him to go to Rusty and tell him 'I need a shirt.' Emilio went to Rusty and said, 'I need a (shirt-minus-the-r)', so he's getting close.
"Steven Lenhart has taken Emilio under his wing, so I fully expect that Emilio's next English word will be 'dude.' I also think I see the makings of an afro coming through, as he didn't shave his head this morning. I doubt that Emilio's afro will be blond like Steve's, but it would be an afro nonetheless. And based on Steve's dancing performance on Saturday night, I wouldn't be surprised to see Steve and Emilio cutting some rugs at local dance halls in their free time. I would love to tell you how the film 'Emilio Renteria: Coming to America' ends, but it is only just beginning. It is off to a promising start."
(Brian Dunseth often referred to Dante Washington as The Black Adonis. Emilio is a muscular guy...could he challenge Dante for that nickname?)
"No, I think Dante has that one pretty much locked down. Dante drinks a six-pack and gets another ab. It's weird. Most people drink a six-pack and lose a six-pack, but Dante drinks a six-pack and gains an ab a day. I've never understood it."
Steve Sirk is a contributor to TheCrew.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs. Questions? Comments? Hold an unexpected impromptu mini high school reunion on the west concourse at halftime? Feel free to write at sirk65@yahoo.com.
