After extending its unbeaten streak to seven games in a pair of matches last week, the Crew travels to Kansas City Saturday to take on the Wizards in an Eastern Conference showdown.
Saturday's match, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET, will be televised live regionally on ONN-TV, with Dwight Burgess and Dante Washington calling all the action. The match can also be heard in English on News/Talk 610 WTVN, and on-line at TheCrew.com and MLSNet.com, with Neil Sika behind the microphone, as well as in Spanish on La Que Buena 1550-AM.
Kansas City enters the match after drawing with Los Angeles, 1-1, last Saturday (May 30) at The Home Depot Center. Neither side was able to get on the scoreboard in the match's first 83 minutes, but that all changed when midfielder Davy Arnaud struck with a left-footed shot off a Herculez Gomez diving header to give the Wizards the lead in the 84th minute. Despite a man advantage, K.C. was unable to maintain its goal advantage when the Galaxy's Landon Donovan sent Edson Buddle on to goal with an incisive through ball which Buddle blasted home for the match equalizer. Kansas City has been paced this season by a trio of attackers. Forward Josh Wolff leads the Wizards with six goals to his credit this season, while forward Claudio Lopez has tallied four goals to go along with three assists and Arnaud has four goals and one assist to his credit.
The Crew enters Saturday's match after playing a pair of matches during MLS Week 11 action. On Wednesday (May 27) the Black & Gold defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 2-1, at Crew Stadium. San Jose drew first blood in the match when Ryan Johnson tallied in the 23rd minute. The Crew responded in the 29th minute when Gino Padula collected a stray corner kick and drove a cross to the far right post to Eric Brunner who sent a header back across the goalmouth to Eddie Gaven who headed the ball into the back of the net for the equalizer. After the halftime restart, the Crew wasted no time in securing the game-winner when Alejandro Moreno headed a San Jose clearance to Emmanuel Ekpo at the right side of the box. Ekpo dribbled into the area and sent a low cross in to a streaking Guillermo Barros Schelotto who slid in past the San Jose defender and sent the ball home for the game-winning score just 28 seconds in.
On Saturday (May 30), the Crew traveled to Seattle to take on Sounders FC for the first time ever. The Crew got out to an early lead in the match thanks to a spectacular effort from forwards Alejandro Moreno and Pat Noonan. The sequence began when Jed Zayner sent a low pass in to Noonan, who juked the defender and let the ball run in to space. Noonan tracked down the pass and immediately whipped in a cross which just whizzed past the Seattle defender and onto the head of a diving Moreno who plunged the header past Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller and into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. However, Seattle would respond after the halftime restart when Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg sent a looping pass in to forward Nate Jaqua just outside the six-yard box which Jaqua coolly hammered home into the left side of the net for the match equalizer in the 58th minute.
COLUMBUS CREW at Kansas City Wizards
Saturday, June 6 - 8:30 p.m. (ET) at CommunityAmerica Ballpark
National Television: N/A; Regional Television: ONN-TV
Crew Radio: News/Talk 610 WTVN (English); La Que Buena 1550-AM (Spanish)
Crew Webcasts: TheCrew.com and MLSNet.com (English)
SCHELOTTO TIED FOR SECOND PLACE ON MLS GOAL SCORING LIST
In recording his sixth tally of the season in the Crew's 2-1 win over San Jose last Wednesday (May 27), reigning MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto currently sits in a tie for second place among Major League Soccer's leading goal scorers. Colorado forward Conor Casey leads the way with eight goals so far this season, while Schelotto sits in second along with Chicago forward Brian McBride, K.C.'s Josh Wolff, L.A.'s Landon Donovan and Robbie Findley of Salt Lake. Schelotto has continued to power the Crew's offensive attack in 2009, as he has scored or assisted on seven of the Crew's 15 goals so far this season.
ZAYNER RECORDS FIRST CAREER ASSIST
Crew defender Jed Zayner recorded his first career assist on Alejandro Moreno's goal - a tally which is currently up for Goal of the Week - in the Crew's 1-1 draw at Seattle last Saturday (May 30) at Qwest Field. Zayner, who missed significant time due to injury in his first two MLS seasons, has appeared in eight games with six starts this year, and is in his fourth season with the Crew after being selected in the second round (No. 13 overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
NOONAN MAKES FIRST START OF SEASON, RECORDS ASSIST
Forward Pat Noonan made his first start for the Black & Gold this season in the Crew's 1-1 draw at Seattle last Saturday (May 30). Noonan made an immediate impact in the match's early minutes - and notched his first assist of the season - when he received a pass from Jed Zayner and ran on into space before whipping in a cross to the head of a diving Alejandro Moreno who plunged the header into the back of the net for the early lead and a Goal of the Week nomination. The former MLS All-Star and U.S. international was originally acquired by the Crew on August 6, 2008 from the New England Revolution in exchange for the Crew's natural first-round selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money.
HEJDUK, MORENO AND OUGHTON DEPART FOR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL TEAM DUTIES
Three Crew players have once again been called in for international duty with their respective national teams. Defender Frankie Hejduk has joined the U.S. Men's National Team in San Jose, Costa Rica, where the Stars and Stripes will take on "La Sele" in a World Cup Qualifying match on Wednesday (June 3). The U.S. squad will then return stateside for a second World Cup Qualifier on Saturday (June 6), when it will face Honduras at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. Meanwhile, Moreno has joined Venezuela for a World Cup Qualifier at Bolivia in La Paz on Saturday, which will be followed by a home Qualifier on June 10 against Uruguay in Puerto Ordaz. While Hejduk and Moreno seek to bolster their respective team's chances for a birth in the 2010 World Cup, Oughton and his New Zealand teammates will participate in a pair of friendly matches on the road. First, the All Whites travel to Gaborone, Botswana, on Wednesday (June 3) for a match against the "Zebras," which will be followed by a trip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday (June 6) where New Zealand will face the "Taifa Stars" of Tanzania.
SUPERDRAFT PICK GERSTENBERGER ARRIVES, BEGINS TRIAL WITH CLUB
Defender Paul Gerstenberger, the Crew's second round selection (No. 30 overall) in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, arrived in Columbus this week and has begun training with the club on a trial basis. Gerstenberger, a 6-foot, 22-year old native of Schenectady, N.Y., recorded four goals and 10 assists in 65 games during his four-year career at Boston College. He was selected to the 2007 All-ACC Tournament team and, prior to attending BC, was a NSCAA All-East honoree and NSCAA All-State second teamer during his senior season at Colonie High School. He also participated in two friendlies with the U,S. Under-18 Men's National Team in April 2005.
CSA STANDOUTS BARSON AND LUTHY COMPETE IN LISBON INTERNATIONAL WITH U.S. U-18 SQUAD
Crew Soccer Academy defender Chad Barson and goalkeeper Justin Luthy recently completed play in the Lisbon International tournament in Portugal with the U.S. Under-18 National Team squad. The U.S. competed in three matches at the tournament, a 1-0 win over Finland on May 27, a scoreless draw with Germany on May 29 and a 1-0 loss to Portugal on May 30. Barson appeared in all three matches as a substitute, while Luthy made one appearance in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in the Portugal match.
RECREATION UNLIMITED CELEBRITY SPORTS GALA TO BE HELD AT CREW STADIUM JUNE 18
Recreation Unlimited's annual Celebrity Sports Gala will be held June 18 on Crew Stadium's stage and Crew owner/operator Clark Hunt will be the featured speaker. In addition, Crew players and coaches will be in attendance and exciting auctions will include a day as assistant GM for a Crew away game and an autographed guitar and backstage passes from Rascal Flatts, as the special evening celebrates the Crew's 2008 championship season, while benefiting the Recreation Unlimited Foundation. Recreation Unlimited is a respected organization that provides activities and programs for physically challenged persons, especially kids at their Delaware County facility. To acquire tickets or learn more, please visit recreationunlimited.org.
SCHELOTTO NOMINATED FOR TECATES PREMIOS DEPORTES
Crew midfielder and reigning MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto has been nominated for the second edition of "Tecate Premios Deportes" (Tecate Sports Awards). Nearly 60 Hispanic athletes from six sports categories are being considered for their sportsmanship, talent and character exemplified during 2008. The winners will be revealed on June 25, in front of a live audience inside the historic Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on the Univision Network on July 5. This year's nominees were considered based on the athletes' statistical excellence, participation in a televised professional sport in the United States during 2008, cumulative impact on their team and in the sport, and their reputation as a role model for the Hispanic community. Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of current and former professional athletes and sports personalities including, famed boxer Oscar de la Hoya; retired NFL player Tony Casillas; NFL Hall of Fame recipient Anthony Muñoz; former Mexican soccer coach and Univision soccer announcer Jesus Bracamontes; and Enrique Borja, legendary Mexican forward and team president of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) Tigres.
WCOL'S 'BUCKEYE COUNTRY JAM 2009' TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
Tickets are still available for WCOL's 'Buckeye Country Jam 2009' which will be hosted at Crew Stadium on Saturday, June 20. Tickets for the 14th annual show, priced at $10 and $20, are available at all Ticketmaster locations and the Crew Stadium Box office. The show will feature an outstanding lineup of popular country artists, including headliner Josh Turner, along with Emerson Drive, Heidi Newfield and Justin Moore. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 5 p.m. All floor seats are reserved ($20) and all bowl seating is general admission ($10). VIP parking will be available in advance through Ticketmaster online. Complete details on Country Jam 2009 are available online at www.wcol.com.
CONCACAF GOLD CUP TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tickets for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ doubleheader at Crew Stadium on July 7 are on sale now at the Crew Stadium Box Office and www.goldcup.com. The Group A doubleheader in Columbus will pit Jamaica vs. Costa Rica at 7 p.m. and Canada vs. El Salvador at 9 p.m. (all times Eastern). Individual prices for the doubleheader at Crew Stadium start at $27 and a Family Four Pack of four lower-sideline tickets will be available for $100. The USA is the two-time defending champion, after defeating archrival Mexico in a memorable, sold-out 2-1 final in Chicago's Soldier Field in 2007. The Gold Cup, which has seen record attendances and television ratings in each of the past two competitions (2005 & 2007) will feature CONCACAF's 12 best national teams for the region's biennial title, beginning July 3 in Los Angeles and finishing with the championship match at Giants Stadium on July 26. More information about the CONCACAF Gold Cup™ can be found on the confederation's official Web site: www.CONCACAF.com.
ROGERS AMONG 15 MLS PLAYERS FEATURED IN COSMOGIRL.COM PHOTO CONTEST
Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers is among 15 MLS players currently featured in an online photo gallery at CosmoGirl.com where readers can comment on who they believe is the best looking young player in MLS. The photo gallery of MLS players can be seen here. Readers are encouraged to leave their comments on who they think is the best looking. Players from each of MLS' 15 teams are featured in the photo gallery, including: Logan Pause (CHI), Colin Clark (COL), Sacha Kljestan (CHV), Rogers, Chris Pontius (D.C.), Peri Marosevic (DAL), Stuart Holden (HOU), D Chance Myers (K.C.), A.J. DeLaGarza (L.A.), Danny Cepero (N.Y.), Chris Tierney (N.E.), Will Johnson (RSL), Arturo Alvarez (S.J.), Brad Evans (SEA) and Marvell Wynne (TOR). Readers can also enter to win one of 15 autographed MLS jerseys. Each player involved has autographed one jersey. One lucky reader will win the grand prize: an official adidas MLS game ball signed by the LA Galaxy. A CosmoGirl blog post that links to the sweepstakes as well as the photo gallery can be found here. The photo gallery and giveaways are featured on CosmoGirl's homepage at www.cosmogirl.com.
CREW SOCCER ACADEMY 17/18 SQUAD DEFEATS OHIO ELITE, 2-1, TUESDAY
The Crew Soccer Academy 17/18 squad recorded a 2-1 victory over Ohio Elite Tuesday night (June 2) in a make-up match at The Crew Training Center at Obetz (4153 Alum Creek Drive, 43207). Tyler Pollock and Ben Speas providing the scoring for the CSA squad in a match that had been previously postponed due to adverse weather and scheduling conflicts. The Development Academy Playoffs will kick off at the end of June and both the CSA 15/16 and 17/18 squads have qualified for playoff berths.
CREW SOCCER FOUNDATION REFEREE SCHOLARS RECOGNIZED MAY 27
The Crew and Crew Soccer Foundation recognized the recent graduates of the CSF Referee Scholarship Program at halftime of the Crew's May 27 match vs. San Jose. Certification classes were conducted by the Columbus Area Soccer Officials Association (CASOA) over at Gladden Community House and CSF provides a referee kit that consists of a yellow shirt, black shorts, black socks, whistles, book, yellow/red cards, two flags and a sports watch to each graduate. They are now being assigned to recreational and/or competitive youth matches by CASOA, which will also serve as a resource for questions.
CREW JUNIORS TRYOUTS
Tryouts for Crew Juniors continue this week and will run through Tuesday, June 9, at Crew Stadium, the Crew Training Facility at Obetz and Perry Middle School in Worthington. Tryout sessions run from 6-7:30 p.m. each evening, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Players should bring a soccer ball, shin guards, water, and a light and dark T-shirt. Every age-eligible player who attends Crew Juniors tryouts will first be assessed for the Crew Soccer Academy. Players will then be evaluated and may be invited to join the appropriate level of Crew Juniors. Developmental players (Crew Juniors players who may progress to the Crew Soccer Academy) must come from within the Crew Juniors system. Crew Juniors encourages players to attend both days of tryouts, although there will be a supplemental tryout for all age groups on Tuesday, June 9, from 6-7:30 p.m. Dates and times are subject to change and rain dates will be the Friday of each week. Players or parents interested in the Crew Juniors and Worthington Crew Juniors program and tryout schedule for both boys and girls can call 614-447-CREW (2739) or visit the www.TheCrew.com and click on the 'Youth' tab at the top of the page.
CHECK OUT CREWXTRA WEDNESDAYS AT 8 AND 11 P.M. ON ONN-TV
CrewXtra, the Crew's weekly show, airs every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. (and again at 11 p.m.) on ONN-TV. This week, host Beau Bishop will be joined by Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and radio man Neil Sika. CrewXtra provides viewers with in-depth coverage and access to the team every week, including game recaps, breakdowns and previews of the upcoming matches, while interspersing other news, interviews, discussion and features.
