Well we are about half way through the season and the Columbus Crew have had a wild ride thus far. The Crew has had a winning streak, a losing streak, and everything between. They have had their West Coast swing, to disastrous results, and have played very solid at home, status quo. If I were to describe the Crew in one word it would be, frustrating. Yes, they have a winning record and yes, they sit in the third position in the East, but they have not been able to put together a string of solid performances. At times the team is very disjointed and at others they are unstoppable. The grade that I would give the Crew for this point of the season is C+.
Seeing as this is the half way point of the season, let’s look at some superlatives for the team:
Most Valuable Player: Eddie Gaven
You have been the rock in the midfield. This team lacked leadership at the start of the season and you stepped in and led by example. You have become an on-field general though you are not the captain. This team would not be the same without you.
Rookie of the Year: Rich Balchan
You came into the team and have been nothing but solid. This team is built for defense and you have helped that culture. You play well off of Chad Marshall and fit well with the team. As a rookie you have implanted yourself in the starting XI through hard work and unyielding play.
Defensive Player of the Year: Chad Marshall
You have done nothing but be a solid player in the central defense. This is a young team and you have taken your experience and projected it on the other players. I think that you will go far in your career and you have become one of the best defenders in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year /Most Improved: Andres Mendoza
Mendoza, I have called you out since the start of the season because of the Designated Player status you have. You started the season really slow and sometimes on the bench. You did not play well with the team but now you have hit your stride. You now hold the most goals on the team and are playing well with others. Thanks for reading my articles and getting with the team.
That is the way I see it. Enjoy the beautiful game, win or lose and make today better than yesterday.
(image courtesy of Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
