Yesterday, the Crew made all kinds of headlines as it was announced that Gregg Berhalter became the seventh Head Coach in club history. In addition to his head coaching duties, Berhalter assumes the role of Sporting Director with the Black & Gold. Berhalter, a former U.S. Men’s National Team and LA Galaxy standout, comes to Columbus by way of his former club Hammaby IF (Sweden) and is regarded as ‘one of the brightest young soccer [minds] in Major League Soccer,’ according to Crew Chairman/Investor-Operator Anthony Precourt. The Columbus Dispatch’s Adam Jardy has more on the local front regarding the start of the Berhalter era in Columbus, while Michael Arace aptly points out, “Berhalter is fresh. He represents radical change.”
The big announcement also garnered an impressive amount of national attention as outlets such as Sports Illustrated, MLSsoccer.com, and NBC Sports Pro Soccer Talk weighed-in on the appointment of Berhalter in Columbus. As Brian Straus from Sports Illustrated writes, 'the ambitious young owner (Anthony Precourt) has found his ambitious young coach.' According to MLSsoccer.com's Jeff Bradley, Berhalter's appointment as Crew Head Coach and Sporting Director 'is the one, where you simply nod your head and say, 'Yup."' Writes Joe Prince-Wright for NBC Sports Pro Soccer Talk, 'This is a big deal.'
While many have opined on what Berhalter will bring to the team, TheCrew.com has a Q&A with the Black & Gold’s new boss as he opens up on the process that brought him to Columbus. From elaborating on his experience in the national and international circuits to jokingly trying to persuade Crew legend Frankie Hejduk to come out of retirement – Berhalter tells all and provides insight into his vision for the team moving forward.
Although the Black & Gold will not take the field for regular-season play until March of 2014, there is still high-caliber soccer to be played this weekend in Columbus. This weekend the action is on the high school level as Crew Stadium prepares to host the 2013 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Soccer Championships. State championships for Divisions I, II, and III will be on the line as the Girls’ State finals matches kick-off on Friday at noon, with the Boys’ matches to be played out on Saturday. The Dayton Daily News recaps the results of the Girls’ semifinals and looks ahead to the matchups on the slate for Friday’s action in Crew Stadium.
