Fresh off a share of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship Golden Boot and a spot on the tournament's Best XI playing for the United States, Crew SC's Romain Gall reported to the Black & Gold's preseason camp in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. earlier this week looking to make an impact in Columbus in 2015. Gall, who turns 20 on Saturday, believes his experiences helping the U.S. qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup have prepared him to contribute for Crew SC this season.
"I’m just looking to help the team win as many games as we can, just try to get in the rhythm of MLS," Gall said Wednesday.
"The National Team always helps. We get good games, good competition. What I’ve learned from the National Team, I can bring to Columbus and MLS."
Gall made three appearances in Columbus last season after signing with the club on August 7, 2014, showing flashes of his potential in limited action. The Paris-born midfielder notes a difference in experience and physical nature in MLS compared to the U-20 international level.
"The biggest difference would probably have to be individually. Players individually, we have older players in MLS — stronger in the physical aspect," he explained. "As far as the speed of play, I don’t think it’s much different because we have high level on the U-20s. The older players and physical aspect [of MLS are different]."
Able to play on the wing or centrally in the Crew SC attack, Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter expects Gall to make an impact for the Black & Gold in 2015 despite his young age.
"We expect Romain to contribute this year," Berhalter said last week. "He showed signs of it last year, and we believe he has the potential to contribute."
Through scoring five goals in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, Gall is already off to a hot start in 2015. Despite the early success, Gall remains focused solely on consistency this year.
"The goal I have for myself is just to stay consistent through out the whole season and just blend well with the team," he noted.
Juggling club and international duty, 2015 is bound to be a busy year for Gall. Crew SC's season kicks-off March 7 in Houston, and the 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup takes place May 30-June 20 in New Zealand.
