Though no actual points can be taken from an international friendly, here are three takeaway points from the Crew's 2-1 victory against Premier League side Stoke City on Tuesday night:
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Crew fans got their first glimpse of the future on Tuesday night when Homegrown signings Aaron Horton and Ben Speas provided the two goals in the victory over Stoke. Horton and Speas helped the Columbus attack cause frequent problems for the Stoke back line throughout the second half. Neither Homegrown product has seen action in Major League Soccer this season and were determined to show Robert Warzycha what they were capable of playing and contributing on the First Team.
"There's competition in practice and games like this," Warzycha said after the match. "If you get the chance to play, you show what you can do because in the coaches' eyes, sometimes we need to see what the players are capable of doing on the field."
"Next time we decide the lineup, we aren't going to be afraid to put them on the field," the Crew skipper added.
Additionally, an ankle injury to Nemanja Vukovic forced Ethan Finlay to play at left back. The rookie performed admirably defensively against the much bigger Mamady Sidibe to help limit the Potters to just two shots in the second half. Naturally a winger, Finlay also provided pace in the attack out of the back.
"I think in a normal game, Ethan Finlay would not play as a left back or he wouldn't play as a right back, but because we have so many injuries, we had to put him on the right side," Warzycha explained post match. "But you know what? He's very happy to be on the field. He's very happy to help the team. Actually, he did very well today."
"(Finlay) played against a guy who was much bigger than him, and I think he did a good job," Warzycha finished.
ARRIETA AND GAVEN PARTNERSHIP BLOSSOMING
In their second straight match pairing together in the Columbus attack, newcomer Jairo Arrieta and veteran Eddie Gaven showed promise in the first forty-five minutes. The two forwards combined for some nice one touch passing in the final-third to help contributing in creating nine shots for the Crew in the first half.
In addition, Justin Meram and Dilly Duka provided threats on the wings for the Black & Gold. Duka was the Crew's most dangerous player in the first half. While trailing in the 38th minute, the young winger nearly equalized with a rocket from outside the box that banged off the crossbar. On the other side, Meram had quality chances alone in front of goal that were just off frame.
RENTERÍA ON THE WING
With the overhaul in the Crew lineup at half time, Robert Warzycha brought out a 4-3-3 formation to begin the second half featuring Emilio Rentería on the right wing. The powerful Venzuelan was a menace to Stoke on the flank, setting up both Columbus goals.
Rentería's play on the wing gives Warzycha another option in the attack going forward in the MLS season.
(Rentería) was a handful on (the right) side," Warzycha complimented the forward. "He played in that position in the reserve game on Sunday and did very well. I think if we're going to continue to play this way, we definitely have a player that can play in that position."
