A creative dynamic at Crew Stadium? Yes, it has arrived

Aug 23, 2012, 10:51 AM EDT

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In all honesty, watching games this year from Columbus has sometimes been a bit painful.

Robert Warzycha’s team remained relevant in the playoff chase (although just barely) by being very difficult to break down, and therefore difficult to beat.

On the attack, however, the “wow factor” was at decidedly low ebb. Which is why Columbus came into last night’s match at Crew Stadium with a meager 23 goals, second worst in MLS, behind Chivas USA (whose offensive production is off-the-charts terrible with just 15 goals in 22 matches.)

So, for those wondering when a little zip, zing, and creative what-for might creep into the Crew game plan, wonder no more. It’s here.

Watch the video below of Columbus’ important 2-1 win over Toronto. Pay lesser attention to Eddie Gaven’s early opener. It was a lucky deflection, but a worthy reward for a man’s whose overall body of work this year probably deserves a little more statistical recognition.

Pay more attention to the 33^rd minute sequence of wonderful, fluid, attacking soccer. What Jairo Arrieta (pictured) and even more recently arrived Federico Higuain are bringing to the men in Yellow right now is worth a look. Presumably, as Higuain finds his fitness, even more is on the way.

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tylerbetts - Aug 23, 2012 at 10:59 AM

Higuain looks like a real find on early returns. He’s even got some of the Crew faithful and the Crew reporters using three letters saved for the highest of praise – GBS.

Nice to finally see something that resembles a cohesive attack from the Crew. As much as I love Eddie Gaven, if he’s you’re primary threat to score, you probably don’t have much hope of making real noise. However, if he’s someone who can help get things done along with playmakers like Higuain and Jairo, then you might be on to something.

Heck, they’ve got my optimism back that if they can sneak into the Cup, they might be able to do something there. After all, in recent history, the Galaxy being the best team and winning the cup has been the exception and far from the rule.

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Steve Davis - Aug 23, 2012 at 11:09 AM

I think so, too. (Playoff possibilities, that is). They always had the structure and organization within the team, but the talent just wasn’t sufficient to keep up.

As for Gaven, I really like his work in midfield. But you’re correct, he’s a glue guy and a do-all, but not really a creative influencer.

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