"We’ll keep working with the group and improving the group because I know we’re capable of scoring the goals."
That was the message from Crew SC Head Coach Caleb Porterfollowing Saturday's match against Minnesota United FC, as the Crew (5-8-1, 16 pts.) return to Central Ohio for a full week's preparation before hitting the road again ahead of another Western Conference match-up against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, May 25.
After referencing a 3-1 win against one of the League's top teams in the LA Galaxy just over a week prior, Porter emphasized how he knows the goal-scoring prowess lays within the squad, saying "I know these guys have quality to do it."
Amidst a host of injuries and resultant squad rotations, this Crew SC side, who drew last year's Supporters' Shield winners before topping the defending MLS Cup champions and grabbing a commanding 3-1 win over the then-second best team (points-wise) in the League in the Galaxy, has shown the capability to adapt and put itself into quality goal-scoring positions.
"There were a lot of moments where we were in good position and I thought the goal would come, but we have to do better at getting shots off," Porter said before continuing with "we have to do better at getting crosses in, and I just thought for all the good positions we were in, we didn’t get enough shots or create enough.”
Level with Minnesota going into the 70th minute in a tough road environment, Porter expressed his appreciation for the team's ability to withstand the pressure - a notion of bend-but-don't-break that's been stressed throughout the past few weeks.
“There were times [against Minnesota] where we showed the mentality we needed to, you know, being on the road in this type of environment you’re going to have to absorb at times and bend - like I said at half time, not break, and we did that," Porter said.
As the Club looks ahead, it's about re-evaluating and improving, Porter put succinctly.
"We need to improve - no doubt about it - and we are willing to.”
The Crew's upcoming match against the Colorado Rapids kicks off from Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 25. Supporters can watch the match on SportsTime Ohio, stream on FOX Sports GO, or listen on 97.1 FM The Fan or www.ColumbusCrewSC.com (English & Spanish).
