OBETZ, Ohio – Even as the Columbus Crew wrap up postseason training on Friday, thoughts have already turned to the 2013 preseason.
Specifically, they’ve turned to the season’s first weeks – and how the Crew can make sure a bad March doesn’t mean there’ll be no November.
“We started 2-4-2,” head coach Robert Warzycha said. “Obviously we need to do better.”
The Crew struggled early in the regular season due in part to numerous injuries that forced several rookies in starting roles from the onset, but Warzycha isn’t making any excuses.
“We had good quality games [last preseason],” he said. “We played against a good Swedish team, Malmö, we played Seattle. We were supposed to play against D.C. We played Chicago.”
In 2012, the team split preseason training between Columbus and Bradenton, Fla., before playing in the Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, S.C. Unfortunately for Columbus, the last match – which was supposed to be against D.C. United a week before the season opener – was not played due to inclement weather.
“We didn't have enough games in the preseason before that last game against D.C. was cancelled,” Warzycha said.
Defender Josh Williams said he welcomes the opportunities added games could bring as long as the competition is good.
“More game experience and good competition will definitely help and hopefully we can be ready to go right off the bat,” he said. “Last year we had a couple of mediocre teams and even teams that were at the beginning of their preseason so they weren't really prepared.”
CREW CUTS
While some teams have announced the names of players who were released following the season, Warzycha told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that he doesn't expect the Crew to do so before Dec. 1.
The players will train Wednesday and Thursday at the Obetz facility and hold a session Friday at a fitness center to complete their work.
