MLS 2018: Columbus Crew SC

Gyasi Zardes scored two goals in his Columbus Crew SC debut against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the Pacific Rim Cup on Thursday (photo credit: Columbus Crew SC)

2017 Record: 16-12-6, 5th place in the Eastern Conference

Coach: Gregg Berhalter

Key Additions: FWD Gyasi Zardes (Los Angeles Galaxy), DEF Milton Valenzuela (Newell’s Old Boys), MID Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls), MID Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), MID Eduardo Sosa (Zamora), GK Jon Kempin (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Key Departures: MID Justin Meram (Orlando City SC), FWD Ola Kamara (Los Angeles Galaxy)

The Big Question: Who will replace the 31 goals scored by Justin Meram and Ola Kamara in 2018?

A legitimate fear of Columbus Crew fans but unlikely anywhere close to the Crew fans biggest fear as this season goes on.

However, how easily Columbus dominated Atlanta United in the opener of the Carolina Challenge Cup, along with Columbus averaging 2.8 goals a game this preseason on the way to winning 4 out of 5 so far, perhaps they’ll be okay?

I think rather surprisingly, pains me even to say.. Columbus may be quicker and have more ball skill in midfield currently with Santos, Artur, and Martinez surrounding Higuain.

In addition, Zardes is definitely quicker then Ola was and if he gets that final pass he’s gone. He’s shown he can finish (as much as preseason can show) so far in this system.

It’s been debated if the high goal scoring for strikers, at least those with the capability to finish an opportunity, has more to do with Berhalter’s system compared to what either Kamara has done in particular.

But, so far, what I find optimistic is Zardes barely had a sniff of the ball, was completely shut down against Atlanta United and Columbus still scored three goals.

In addition, Columbus likes to push up it’s wing backs and that has definitely improved. In 2015, it was Harrison Afful and Waylon Francis. But, Francis declined a bit and his replacement or sharer of time, Jukka Raitala, was a bit of an odd choice at that position last year.

Wasn’t particularly fast or could get up the field like Afful.

Come playoff time, Hector Jimenez (who isn’t even a left back) was the starting left back over both.

In comparison, Milton Valenzuela is the real deal.

Harrison Afful finally has someone comparable on the other wing. May help the offense more then anything. Both in ability to turn it into another gear and get up the field along with consistency in that position.

In addition, I think the departures allows some fresh blood to step up.

Players like Santos, Artur will be relied on more to lead compared to if things stayed the status quo. I think it’s possible the Crew could end up better from it.

Area to keep an eye on: Defense and team cohesion, playing time, keeping everyone happy.

Gaston Sauro is returning to fitness which could be good for the defense. But, then that leads to Sauro, Mensah, Abubukar, Crognale, and Williams fighting over two positions.

I just want Berhalter this season to find TWO CENTER BACK STARTERS and stick with them. In 2017, one game it would be Mensah and Williams, the next Mensah and Abubukar, the next Mensah and Crognale.

Sure they are all talented but you can’t build cohesion that way.

When Columbus picked a goalkeeper with their first round pick in the MLS SuperDraft I thought well that’s strange. As that added Ben Lundgaard to Steffen, Kempin, and Ketterer. So, basically three guys fighting over no position since it’s Zack Steffen’s position.

I guess they are perhaps fighting for the Riverhounds goalkeeper position? My apologies Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC* goalkeeper position.

Considering how solid Cristian Martinez looked on the right side in the last game. I’m also sure Clark and Grella won’t enjoy extended periods of time on the bench if that continues.

Just think Berhalter really stocks up on some positions and leaves some positions to one guy and says “let’s hope that works.”

Outcome: Second place

I’m of the opinion that unlike most Major League Soccer teams Columbus may have some added motivation to win any game this year from March to November.

I’m also of the opinion that losing Justin Meram and Ola Kamara will not be as detrimental as it first may have appeared.

If Berhalter picks a starting eleven in March instead of by August, Crew end up in second place.

If he tinkers with keeping all five guys at some positions happy we end up back in fifth.