Crew remain true en route to claiming MLS laurels
By Bill Bernardi
PA SportsTicker Soccer Editor
The nickname rings true for the Columbus Crew.
Dubbed “America’s Hardest Working Team,” the Crew recorded the first MLS Cup title in franchise history with a 3-1 triumph over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday in the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
League MVP and team captain Guillermo Barros Schelotto notched an MLS Final-record three assists to help deliver a championship in his second season.
The Argentine midfielder set up goals by Alejandro Moreno and defenders Chad Marshall and Frankie Hejduk to claim MVP honors for Sunday’s match as well.
With 19 assists in the regular season and six more in the postseason, Schelotto became the third player to win both league MVP and MLS Cup MVP honors in the same year - joining Kansas City Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola in 2000 and Los Angeles Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz in 2002.
“We found different ways to win at various times and the individual play of this guy next to me was tremendous,” said Columbus coach Sigi Schmid, who cast a brief look in Schelotto’s direction.
Sunday’s triumph was a fitting ending for the Crew, who claimed the Supporters’ Shield after posting an impressive league-best 17-7-6 record in the regular season.
But talent only gets you so far - as evidenced by the fact that the Shield has done little to protect its owner in recent years. Five of the league’s best in as many years have walked away without the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy (now named Philip F. Anschutz Trophy) in their possession.
Now overcoming adversity, that’s the sign of a hard-working team.
After Red Bulls forward John Wolyniec leveled the match in the 51st minute, the Crew could’ve needed a few moments to collect their composure and regroup.
Apparently, that lasted all of two minutes as Marshall headed home Schelotto’s corner kick to regain the lead for Columbus.
“I believe we were a better team the second half,” Schelotto said. “The first half was tough for us. After our second goal, I thought we would settle down and were a better team at that point. I thought that we would hold on and clamp down on them and take it to the end and win.”
“When they tied the game up, it was very important for us to get a quick goal - and Chad did that for us,” Moreno said. “We would respond all year. And that’s what we did again today. And (I’m) so very proud of what this organization has done.”
New York coach Juan Carlos Osorio credited his team’s play, but admitted that the Crew’s quick strike was heartbreaking.
“We came out strong in the second half, got back in the game,” Osorio said. “Then to give up a goal so soon off a corner was very disappointing. It was too easy.”
Reinvigorated by the goal, Columbus kept control with aggressive play before doubling its advantage in the 82nd minute.
Once again, Schelotto supplied the honors - or service, as the case may be - when he lofted a high lob pass to Hejduk, who headed home an insurance tally to essentially put the match out of reach.
“It’s unbelievable,” Hejduk said. “(Schelotto) has eyes on the back of his head. He’s been doing that all year to different players on the team all year. When I give him the ball, I just take off because I know that if there’s anyone that can find me, it’s him.”
The final whistle blew minutes later, bringing about a joyous celebration which was 13 years in the making.
“America’s Hardest Working Team” could finally rejoice.