The Battle of Columbus

I’m an unflinching optimist. To me, the cynic has it too easy – if his predictions are right, he says, “I told you so.” If he’s wrong, everyone’s happy and no one remembers his pessimism. That said, losing 5 of 6 MLS matches will rattle any team and its fans. There have been some flabbergasting collapses in pro sports as of late, and it may feel all too likely that we’re in the midst of another one right here in Crew Nation. While I have complete confidence that the Crew will make the playoffs for a 4th straight year, this morning I wanted to have more than just a gut feeling to go on. So, seeking inspiration, I poured two cups of coffee and opened up my iTunes. With Rage Against The Machine pounding through my headphones, here’s what I came up with:

1. Calm Like a Bomb – Eddie Gaven and his beard clearly are more massive than anyone ever imagined. Since their absence, the Crew has gone 2-6-1 for an average of .78 points/game. That rate would land the Crew just above Vancouver for worst in the MLS. With him, the Crew were at a 1.32 pts/game clip, good for best in the East. His return today will lead to a more connected midfield.
2. Ashes in the Fall – It’s October. With the new month comes a new sense of urgency. You can be sure that the first thing each player will do when they get to the locker room today is flip the page on his calendar. September was forgettable.
3. Bulls on Parade – Emilio Renteria is enjoying his most productive season for the yellow soccer team. His howitzer has been tweaked, and he’s now scoring .68 goals/90 min. That clip is good for 2nd in MLS, trailing only Charlie Davies for those with at least 10 matches played. He has not picked up a single card all year.
   
4. Know Your Enemy – It’s DC United. Of the Crew’s 3 top rivals, the DC rivalry will always be the most pure. If it were not for the permullett of Marco Etcheverry, the Columbus Crew could be sitting on the most silverware in MLS. No one in the locker room knows that more than Coach Bob, and you can be sure he’ll coach this match giving no quarter. And you can be certain that Danny O, Will & Crew Nation will ensure that today’s visitors will not be greeted warmly at the stadium or on the field.
5. F You, I Won’t Do What You Tell Me – While his relationship with supporters has been about as stable as Will Smith’s marriage lately, the Crew’s Designated Player has met expectations in 2011 – especially at home. Andres Mendoza has the most home goals in MLS, which may surprise many fans given some of his missed opportunities. Turns out, it’s tough to score goals.
   

For all this and more, Crew Nation has reason to expect good things today in Crew Stadium. The only thing left for us to do is gear up, gather and get singing. But if you’re still angry, that’s ok. Anger is a gift.

It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now?