In this week’s Notebook, I promised you a full list of “Greenwood players.” These players have had MLS careers similar to that of Ricci Greenwood, who made one 7-minute appearance with the 1996 Crew. Here’s the full list of players whose MLS careers consisted of a single appearance of single-digit minutes.
In fact, I will break the Greenwood players down by length of career…
As most of you know, Crew captain Frankie Hejduk starred in the United States 2-2 draw at El Salvador last Saturday (March 28). Hejduk started and went the full 90 minutes, assisted on the U.S.’s first goal and then equalized the match with a late header as the Red, White and Blue came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point on the road in FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Greg Lalas offers up his take on Frankie’s outstanding play in article today featured on SI.com. Be sure to check to give it a read when you’ve got a moment.
Alejandro Moreno (VEN) and Duncan Oughton (NZL) also saw action for their respective national teams last weekend, as Moreno came on as a substitute in the 50th minute of Venezuela’s 4-0 World Cup Qualifying loss to Argentina, while Oughton started in New Zealand’s 3-1 loss to Thailand in an international friendly. All three players are expected to remain with their respective squads for training this week, as all three teams have one match remaining in the current FIFA international window. Venezuela will take on Colombia on March 31 in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, then on April 1, the Unites States faces Trinidad & Tobago in Nashville, Tenn., while New Zealand plays a second international friendly against Thailand ‘A’ in Bangkok.
The Crew Reserves took on the University of Louisville in a friendly match on Sunday, downing the Cardinals by a score of 1-0. The match, which featured a number of guest players for the Crew, was at times marred by high winds and significant rainfall. Crew players Andy Gruenebaum, Andy Iro, Eric Brunner, Cory Elenio, Adam Moffat, Kevin Burns, Stanley Nyazamba and Steven Lenhart all got the start for the Black & Gold, but it was guest player Tony Labudovski who scored the Crew’s lone goal in the 29th minute, when Nyazamba served a cross in from the right side which eventually fell to Labudovski, who contolled and sent the loose ball into the back of the net.
The Crew now returns to training this week before traveling to Salt Lake on Thursday and Los Angeles on Saturday for matches against Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA, respectively.
The Columbus Crew will open its 2009 MLS home schedule today, as it hosts Toronto FC for First Kick 2009 at Crew Stadium. The match will also be the first leg of the 2009 Trillium Cup competition and will be the first opportunity for most fans to check out the defending MLS Cup champs in person.
The Trillium Cup, which refers to the official flower of the province of Ontario and official wildflower of the State of Ohio, is awarded annually to the winner of the season series between the geographic rivals. The Crew won the inaugural competition last season, going unbeaten in three games against the Reds (1-0-2). Read more…
Preparations continue for First Kick 2009 vs. Toronto and Crew Stadium is buzzing with activity as everyone gets ready to welcome a throng of Crew fans for tomorrow afternoon’s match. The Crew has been making the rounds of a variety of media outlets throughout the week as central Ohio rallies behind the Black & Gold and its defense of its MLS Cup Championship. Below, we’ve got a couple of interviews for you to listen in on. First, is Danny O’Rourke’s appearance on the CD101 Morning Show and second, is Crew President & GM Mark McCullers who visited with Joel Riley, filling in for Bob Conners on the 610 WTVN morning show. Enjoy and remember to get your tickets for tomorrow’s match!!
The Crew held its annual media day earlier this week as it prepares for First Kick 2009 at Crew Stadium this Saturday vs. Toronto FC. The Crew coaching staff and players were present to chat with members of the media and offer their thoughts on the season ahead and esteemed Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman was on hand to participate in a special unveiling.
More after the jump. Read more…
The Crew held its annual Fan Forum at Claddagh Irish Pub and the Standard (along with Crew photo guru Greg Bartram) was on hand to snap a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. The event was enjoyed by all, and the fans provided some great questions for Mark, Robert, Brian, Robbie and Danny to discuss. Thanks to all who made it out to Claddagh to participate and we hope to see you again tomorrow night (March 25) at the Arena Grand Movie Theatre for a Kick-Off Rally featuring the entire team. Read more…
Be sure to stop by Claddagh Irish Pub in the Brewery District tonight for a Crew Fan Forum. Free and open to the public, it will feature President & General Manager Mark McCullers, head coach Robert Warzycha, defender Danny O’Rourke and midfielders Brian Carroll and Robbie Rogers answering your questions. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at 585 S. Front Street. Important parking info is after the jump. Read more…
Now that the Black & Gold has put its first match in the books, it now turns its attention to Eastern Confernce rival Toronto FC and the 2009 Trillium Cup competition. As you all know, the Crew took home the inaugural Trillium Cup contest last season, thanks to an opening day victory over TFC and two subsequent ties against the Reds. We took a moment to check in with the guys after training last week, to gauge their thoughts on the upcoming match vs. Toronto. We’ve also got Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers’ feelings on the annual competition with our rivals from up north. Check out the video below and remember to get your tickets for this Saturday’s (March 28) match vs. TFC as the Black & Gold celebrates First Kick 2009 at Crew Stadium.
The Columbus Crew opens its defense of its MLS Cup Championship tonight at Houston’s Robertson Stadium, against the two-time champion Dynamo. The marquee match-up kicks off the Black & Gold’s 14th season overall.
Tonight’s match, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET, will be televised live nationally on Fox Soccer Channel, with Dave Johnson and Brian Dunseth calling all the action and Steve Bell reporting from the sidelines. The Crew will host a viewing party at its new Official Away Game Headquarters, Claddagh Irish Pub, which is located in the Brewery District at 585 S. Front St. The game will be featured on numerous televisions throughout the pub and live audio will be available, as well. Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity to win prizes and merchandise, courtesy of the Crew and away game viewing party partner, Budweiser.
The game can also be heard in English on News/Talk 610 WTVN with Neil Sika behind the microphone and on-line at TheCrew.com and MLSNet.com, as well as in Spanish on La Que Buena 1550-AM, featuring Carlos Cordova and Benny Pietrangelo on the call.
The match will feature the winners of the last three MLS Cup Championships, with the Crew claiming the most recent crown in 2008 and Houston winning it all in consecutive seasons in 2006 and 2007. The Crew is 1-2-3 all-time against the Dynamo, and in 2008, the two sides split the season series, with both teams winning on their home field.