Hope is restored.
With the 2013 season waning and five points out of a playoff spot, the Crew needed nothing less than a win on the road against the Eastern Conference-leading Montreal Impact. Despite a first-half tally from Budweiser Golden Boot leader Marco Di Vaio, the Black & Gold responded in the second half as Chad Marshall and Dominic Oduro each found the net from the service of Argentine playmaker Federico Higuaín to beat the Impact, 2-1.
Marshall 66th-minute header was the momentum swing the Crew needed on the road against one of the top teams in the League.
"[Marshall's] goal really pumped me up," Oduro said. "It was one of those goals that was a relief when you're doing the right things and we kept knocking at the door and it was just a matter of when. That goal got us going. It really pumped everybody up."
Added Interim Head Coach Brian Bliss: "It's always difficult when you're not standing well in the standings and every little mistake and every little play that doesn't go your way is compounded. Finally, Chad was able to break through with a restart goal.
"It was uplifting to our guys and I think it tipped the game for us."
Oduro would net the winner 12 minutes later, providing his side with hope to return to the postseason.
Now with five matches to go, four of which are against Eastern Conference opponents, results will be critical for the Black & Gold's chances.
"Obviously with where we are and how many games are left in the season, every game is huge," Marshall said. "All we can do now is fight every game, try to get three points and get ourselves back into it."
In Bliss' third match as Interim Head Coach, the Crew is starting to find a groove under the new management. That groove could be the one that takes the team into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"It's never easy to step-in, Bliss explained after the game. "Obviously, I've been at it for a few weeks now and I'm finding my feet a little bit."
"I think the adaption period is over and we're getting into a flow a little bit."
