COLUMBUS, Ohio – As much as defender Korey Veeder enjoys getting to know his new Columbus Crew teammates, he’s disheartened he won’t be away from them for an extended period this summer.
Veeder was hoping to be at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia from July 29-Aug. 20, but the US failed qualify after losing to host Guatemala on April 6.
“I’m very disappointed,” he said. “You’ve got to move on, look to the future. Hopefully the [2012] Olympics, we’ll be there.”
The 19-year-old from St. Petersburg, Fla., came to the Crew in mid-February through a weighted-lottery system and had to adjust not only to the colder temperatures but a schedule that didn’t afford him much training with the team until recently.
“It was difficult coming in the preseason, jumping right in, then leaving two weeks later for almost a month,” he said.
His transient status had teammates seeking answers.
“I had guys asking me who I was, if I was on the team or trying out,” said Veeder.
He definitely was on the team April 23 at Toronto FC, when injuries and illness prompted coach Robert Warzycha to list him on the 18-player game roster.
“That felt really good to finally be on the bench for the first time,” Veeder said. “Hopefully I can work into the starting 11.”
Veeder’s not there yet, but Warzycha is encouraged by what he’s see from his player in practice and reserve games.
“I wouldn’t be afraid to put him on the field,” Warzycha said. “He’s doing well. He’s going to be a good player.”
HAT TRICK
[inline_node:335385]Forward Emilio Renteria has scored all three of the Crew’s goals over their past two games to open his account for the season.
He scored off a header at Toronto and, against Vancouver, he tallied via a penalty that he created then again with a left-footed strike, the first of his career.
The kick from the spot was well-placed to the right of goalkeeper Jay Nolly but didn’t have the velocity of the one against Charleston in the US Open Cup in July that ripped into the back netting so hard it lifted the goal of its moorings.
“The most important thing always is that the goal goes in,” Rentería said.
The Venezuelan international, who had five goals in 19 matches last season, likes the way the Crew (3-1-3) have played through a six-game unbeaten streak.
“Whatever happens on the field, whether we are winning or losing, we’re working together,” he said. “We have confidence in each other. Even during practice there is a lot of communication. Everybody is on the same boat to go in the same direction to win games.”
SLIP SLIDING AWAY
For the second time in three Tuesdays, incessant rain altered practice. Because the Obetz site is currently flooded, training was moved to an indoor facility north of Columbus.
