OBETZ, Ohio – That the Columbus Crew have shown resiliency in coming from behind to draw the past two matches is not a surprise to head coach Robert Warzycha.
"I like the maturity of this team," he told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday.
Offseason additions of veterans such as Gláuber, Agustín Viana and Dominic Oduro – who scored equalizers in the 72nd minute vs. the Philadelphia Union on April 6 and Sunday against the Montreal Impact, respectively – have complemented a roster that grew in confidence and stature at the end of 2012 with the midseason acquisitions of key attacking pieces Jairo Arrieta and Federico Higuaín.
"We added some players who can really play under the pressure and we already had some players who could win games for us," Warzycha said.
The Crew (2-1-3) have two wins and a pair of ties when level at halftime and a loss and draw after trailing at the break. While that's an encouraging sign, midfielder Eddie Gaven said improvement is mandatory.
"We would like to not go down first, start the game better and be on the front foot for a change" he said. "But we know we have a good team and even if we don't have the best start there's no panic."
Columbus opened the season at Chivas USA with a scoreless first half before Higuain broke through in the 51st minute and Josh Williams and Oduro added late scores for a 3-0 victory.
In the Crew's second match, the Vancouver Whitecaps went ahead in the sixth minute but Arrieta responded in the first minute after halftime before the Crew allowed the winner 11 minutes later.
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A week later in a home match against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Glauber put the Crew ahead 1-0, but a Justin Morrow 74th-minute tally equalized the match.
The next match at D.C. United, Ben Speas gave Columbus three points with a goal in the 58th minute to break a 1-1 halftime deadlock.
Then came the comebacks for ties against Philly and the Impact.
"You look across our lineup and you see a lot of offensive weapons that can really make a difference," goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum said. "Whether it's Ben Speas going at people, Dom's speed, [Higuaín's] playmaking ability. You get the feeling we're never out of a game. In years past, it hasn't always been the case."
