Columbus Crew

[BuckeyeMac]

Tickets go on sale for Visa card holders @ 12noon today....get them while they're hot

[BuckeyeMac]

Anyone else not being able to purchase endline tickets?

[BuckTwenty]

Can't wait for the game on Wednesday.

2 of the 5 Crew players in camp made the team, with Frankie Hejduk making the starting 11 and Robbie Rodgers joining the team on the bench.

Nice article on the Dispatch's Crew Blog about a player sporting a rockin' beard for the game and a birdy revealing what hotel the Mexican team is staying at .

Wednesday's weather forecast: high of 58, low of 44, 80% chance of rain.

[OHSportsFan9]

[censored] Mexico.

Probably won't be there. I'm envious of all those attending that get to cheer on the Nats.

It's an amazing experience.

USA! USA!

[BuckTwenty]

For all those not able to get tickets, I hear Claddaugh's and Fado's are going to have some kick ass viewing parties for the game. Best thing next to actually being at the game.

[BuckTwenty]

Just found out that BP has a US National Team Thread tonight, so I'll keep the US team updates over in that thread for now on.

Newest rumor from the Nordecke Luchador is that the Crew is actively pursuing F Martin Palermo (from Argentina's famed club Boca Juniors) and that the Crew is going to make a serious offer to him soon. Apparently because of his age and health, his salary isn't quite as commanding as it once was and, thus, brings his salary into the Crew's range.

Signing Palermo is risky, going both ways. If he doesn't pan out, the Crew wasted a good chunk of their salary cap on him. If he gets back into the form he had before he injured both of his knees, he could be in contention for MLS' Golden Boot at the end of the season, depending on how much he plays. Personally, I feel the risk is worth the reward, especially re-uniting him with fellow countryman and former teammate Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Crewture (01/01/09) doesn't agree with me, comparing him to the failed David Beckham experiment.

[BuckTwenty]

Dispatch Blog

Here is where the Crew stands today:

Senior roster (19 under contract)
1. GK William Hesmer
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum
3. D Chad Marshall
4. D Frankie Hejduk
5. D Gino Padula
6. D Danny O'Rourke
7. D Andy Iro
8. M Guillermo Barros Schelotto
9. M Brian Carroll
10, M Robbie Rogers
11. M Eddie Gaven
12. M Duncan Oughton
13. M Adam Moffat
14. M Stanley Nyazamba
15. M Emmanuel Ekpo
16. F Pat Noonan
17. F Alejandro Moreno
18. F Jason Garey
19. F Steven Lenhart

Develpmental roster (4 under contract)
1. GK Kenny Schoeni
2. D Jed Zayner (GA)
3. M Alex Grendi
4. M Cory Elenio


In the mix
M Kevin Burns (free agent)
D Paul Gerstenberger (2009 draft pick)
D Chris Clements (2009 draft pick)
F Ty Shipalane (Discovery trialist)
F Tom Heinemann (Discovery trialist)

On paper, that roster is DIRTY! When your top draft pick from this year's team looks like he won't make the roster, you have a hell of a team. I just wish we had one more defender... maybe Duncan can fill in in a pinch. That's the best bunch of midfielders in the league hands down and probably the best collective midfield the Crew has ever put together.

Crew had to get down to 20 senior members and 4 developmental players today. Looks like we're waiting on one. Pretty sure we can't afford a Palermo-like contract, and he's not doing all that well for Boca over the past few weeks, coming on as a sub.

'Twas also reported that the Crew beat Everton's reserves (and U-18's) 5-1 over on their turf this past week. Not sure if its us being THAT good or them being THAT bad. They apparently had a ton of injuries, so that's why their U-18's played with them. 2 more games across the pond before they come home.

[BuckTwenty]

The Globe: Vancouver Whitecaps Owner Likely To Be Awarded MLS Franchise Expansion

Sounds like MLS is in negotiations with Vancouver to become MLS' next franchise to start play in 2011. There is one more to be added, and it is now down to Ottowa, St. Louis, & Portland. Crewture seems to think St. Louis is going to get the nod.

Also from the Crew rumor mill, sounds like the Crew would like to add former Ohio State & NYRB defender Eric Brunner or another "proven player" that we could get on the cheap (they give former Fire M/F Damani Ralph as an example). Problem is, Damani hasn't played since 2007 and NYRB wants entirely way too much for Brunner's rights. Brunner is quoted as saying that he would even take a developmental player slot/money just to sign with the Crew.

[BuckTwenty]

Crewture

Crew defeat the mighty St. Edwards University 4-0 with the reserve team.

The real news is that D Eric Brunner played the entire 90 minutes for the Crew. O RLY?

[BuckTwenty]

Crewture

Trade: NYRB sends the Columbus Crew D Eric Brunner in exchange for a conditional 2011 superdraft pick.

Adds some depth to our defense, which looked to be our one glaring weakness on paper. Nice to finally see the Dublin native and OSU alum in Black & Gold.

[BuckTwenty]

MLSnet

Vancouver has been awarded the 17th team in MLS and will start play in 2011.

[OHSportsFan9]

Originally Posted by BuckTwenty

MLSnet

Vancouver has been awarded the 17th team in MLS and will start play in 2011.

Sounds like Portland will be named the 18th team later in the week.

The MLS is growing.

[TGfan06]

Originally Posted by OHSportsFan9

Sounds like Portland will be named the 18th team later in the week.

The MLS is growing.

The pacific northwest is a great place to expand too. I went to a whitecaps game in Vancouver. Lots of fun

Looking froward to seeing the Sounders tomorrow.

[BuckTwenty]

Meant to mention that!

Seattle's first game as a franchise (and MLS's kickoff of the new season) is tomorrow at 9pm (ESPN2) at home against NYRB.

The Crew play their first game of the season THIS SATURDAY at Houston (8pm, FSC). Really like what I've been hearing about this year's team. One word: focused.

[TGfan06]

Sounders looked really good tonight. May just be playing in the first game, who knows. Fans were amazing! Gives me a ton of hope for the MLS with them and Vancouver in the fold.