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| Thursday, March 21, 2002 14:41 EST |
Columbus Crew: 2002 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
Between the team’s slow 1-3-2 start and surprisingly quick exit from the 2001 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Columbus Crew sandwiched in a coaching change and an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak.
Jeff Cunningham is poised to have another big season for the Crew. |
Under the full-time watch of former assistant coach Greg Andrulis, the Crew’s arsenal of offensive players displayed their potential with dazzling results.
That high-octane lineup saw forward Jeff Cunningham (10g, 13a) and Colombian midfielder John Wilmar Perez (8g, 15a) combine for 64 points while youngsters Brian West and Edson Buddle also flourished through Perez’s playmaking ability.
Although he’ll likely head to Korea/Japan as a member of the U.S. World Cup Team, veteran striker Brian McBride looks to have regained his top form after battling injuries in 2001. His return will give Andrulis more attacking options this season than perhaps any team in MLS.
While Andrulis is well aware of his team’s offensive potential, the team’s hopes will be determined by the cohesiveness of a newly assembled-defense. Veteran Mike Clark will draw the task of organizing a young four-man backline that will potentially feature Costa Rican Daniel Torres, and a combination of Eric Denton or 2000 U.S. Olympic team members Chad McCarty and Brian Dunseth.
Strong possession play in the midfield from Perez, West and the versatile Brian Maisonneuve could help keep pressure off goalkeeper Tom Presthus, who may have been the best pure shot-stopper in the league last year.
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2001 Crew Leaders
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Goals
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10, Jeff Cunningham
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Assists
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13, John Wilmar Perez
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Points
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33, Jeff Cunningham
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GAA
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1.36 Tom Presthus
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A tough Eastern Conference schedule won’t provide Andrulis with much relief as he attempts to shape a defense that was completely exposed by San Jose in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
However, if the Columbus attack comes out firing on all cylinders, Crew opponents may find their scoring opportunities few and far between.
Key Additions:
Eric Denton, Brian Dunseth, Chad McCarty
Key Departures:
Tenywa Bonseu, Ansil Elcock
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