Another Draw and Marshall faces Concussion Problems

By: Matt | April 14th, 2009

I’ve been dreading writing this post for a while now. It is not because of the result. A result in which the Crew played probably their best match of the season, but were just caught exposed once in the back and it was enough to only come away with one point. The Black and Gold were once again a patch work squad, with Robbie Rogers, Frankie Hejduk, and Pat Noonan unavailable. However, the match saw the return of Adam Moffat, who seemed to be the driving force in the squad. An improved Crew squad were able to take the lead four minutes from halftime when Emmanuel Ekpo (on the wing, where he is a better player) took a Gino Padula chip down the flank and found Guillermo Barros Schelotto in the middle of the box. Schelotto is a good player to find in such an area, as he usually puts away these chances and Saturday was no exception. The Crew continued to attack the entire game, hitting the cross bar on three separate occasions. Columbus would rue these missed chances, as in the 81st minute Connor Casey found a long Pablo Mastroeni pass and only Danny O’Rourke between himself and the goal. O’Rourke dove recklessly and Casey easily danced past the Crew center back and put the ball past a helpless Will Hesmer. Saturday’s draw was the second time the Crew dropped two points past the 80th minute at home. Some thoughts and some bad news after the jump.

-In perhaps the news that all Crew fans were afraid of, it seems that it is official that last year’s MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall indeed has a concussion. Unfortunately, Marshall has had a history of concussions and there is speculation that this concussion might bring an end to Marshall’s career. Hopefully this is just speculation and the big defender will be able to return football. If he is not able to, it is truly a sad story. Not just for the Crew, but for Marshall and his career. The 24 year old was on his way to MLS stardom and a probable European career. Marshall had interest from Bundesliga teams this past summer, but the financial aspects of the deal were just not right. It would be a shame that such a promising career would have to end so quickly because of scumbag Atiba Harris being allowed by MLS referees to throw elbows unpunished. If you’re the type, add an extra prayer in your day for Marshall.
-Back to more present matters, the Crew cannot catch a break this season. Last year, it seemed like everything would bounce the Crew’s way and they’d find a late winner from somewhere. This year, it seems like all those late winners are hitting the crossbar, going over the bar, or being miraculously saved by the opposing keeper. Soccer is a fickle mistress.
-Hacksaw Dan is back. The Colorado goal saw the Crew backline more exposed that a Playboy, with only Danny O’Rourke back. However, O’Rourke attempted what can hardly be a challenge to try and get the ball from Connor Casey, which Casey barely had to move to avoid. It was a pretty poor challenge, making two games in a row of such types of challenges from O’Rourke. Last year, Danny’s form and defense skill had shown considerable improvement to where he was a solid MLS defender, but it seems he’s taken two steps back this season.
-Speaking of comebacks, how about the weegie in the midfield! I do not think it is a coincidence that the return of Adam Moffat to the field coincided with the Crew’s best performance of the year. Moffat’s great play in the middle allowed Emmanuel Ekpo to play his more comfortable position on the flank. Ekpo’s play was greatly improved last Saturday, showing that he’s not a fucking center midfielder, but is a really talented wing player.

The Crew have a week off to get healthy before bitter rivals and Eastern Conference front runners Chicago come to town. Honestly, the break could not come at a better point. Hopefully last week’s performance will be improved upon with the return of Robbie Rogers and Frankie Hejduk. Hopefully Chad Marshall is feeling better as well, for his own sake.