Berhalter has poked and prodded his back four all season. From sitting Emanuel Pogatetz the last few games, to wishing Waylon Francis had an identical twin who happened to be right footed, three G's has sorely needed speed in the central back position.
Offensive dynamics, quick, simple possession play leading to many and varied attacks in and around the Crew's opponent's eighteen, has begun to show signs of reverting to thru-ball-city with only Finlay and Kamara baring their teeth. This thinning of diversity in attack can be blamed, partially, on the dysfunction within the central defensive two.
In soccer, any major issues, even at one position, affect the total eleven. On the field of play, eleven can appear greater in number or significantly less. The problems of space and pace in the Black and Gold clad side's last two have been leeching their way into the brightest star, dominate team play, at the other end of the field.
Back line rapidly floating into the abyss and taking the promise of greatness with it, Gregg Berhalter convinced Anthony Precourt to open his checkbook and put pen to bank balance. If Gaston Sauro's legs can outrun Pogatetz, Parkhurst and Wahl, the binding needed to tie together Crew SC's eleven may just lead to a restart of Major League Soccer's one-of-a-kind attack. The great unwashed masses in Middle Ohio may or may not deserve the wizard's vision; but, the conjurer is stirring the roiling cauldron at Hudson and I71.
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