Optimism for this Game

Columbus has only had a couple results this year where they pushed past what people thought was going to happen. The away game at Houston comes to mind. 4-1 over Colorado and 2-0 win over RSL.

The April 16th matchup against Sporting KC was a 1-0 win but certainly not that memorable. After all, pick 1-0 for the Home side in every MLS game and 'they' just might call you an expert.

Columbus is tumbling without Eddie Gaven and with a Robert W new contract and Chad Marshall's leadership/captaincy roll changed with the return of O'Rourke (Danny, I hear didn't travel to KC). I know that statement isn't probably the most fair, but perception is becoming reality here.

The Crew need this game badly. It needs to be one of those surprising games. A loss here and the club tumbles to the last playoff spot and is looking up at a stampeding DC coming to town Sunday.

I happen to think this is the kind of game the Crew can pull out. They will be hungrier than KC and will be sharp coming off a tight game against the best team in the league (uh, LA).

Put in the work, Crew. Come home with 3 pts., balance to your normal 1.42 PPG and 1st place in the east.