Chemistry Key to Crew

Few expected the Columbus Crew to win the Supporters’ Shield and make it to the MLS Cup final this year. The team lacks the mega-star to take the plaudits, but that’s just how they like it, says captain Frankie Hejduk .  

“I think a big reason we have had the type of season we have had this year is because there’s been a team atmosphere around here all year,” he said in an MLS teleconference. “There are no superstars or egos on this team.”  

Instead of one superstar, the team relies on its collective chemistry. With no player on Designated Player wages, the cash can be spread around more for a more even talent level. Hejduk is the captain, but he says the leadership has come from all around the pitch.  

“We just had an all-around attitude where at different points in the season, someone has stepped up and been a leader, and it’s been the whole team at one point or another,” the 34-year-old USA international said. “We’ve been an incredibly balanced team both offensively and defensively and Sigi [Schmid] has instilled that in us all year long. He truly believed that we could be here.”  

Head Coach Schmid deserves much of the credit for the team chemistry and cohesive performances. He has created a squad with interchangeable parts, even in the most crucial positions. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the league assist leader, missed a couple matches through the injury, but mid-season acquisition Pat Noonan stepped into the creative role seamlessly and the team’s form never dropped.  

Shmid was on the conference call as well, and gave insight into his coaching strategy, and how the team has reacted.  

“This year what’s been real unique is that we have been able to rise to challenges,” he said. “There was a point in the season where we were giving up goals, so we challenged the team to get the goals against under one a game, and in the next 13 matches they only gave up like 8 goals. The guys have responded when I’ve challenged them.”  

This chemistry and solidity didn’t come about over-night. Schmid has been meticulously building it for the past three seasons since he moved to Columbus. He spoke of that grueling process, and how it has led them where they are today.  

“The first year was kind of a lost year, there were so many things that went awry and we weren’t really left with a foundation,” he said. “In year two, we really built a foundation and a base for this team and came very close to the playoffs, similar to how New York did this year. This year it’s certainly all came together.”    

Hejduk, Schmid, and the rest of the team will be looking to keep the chemistry going for one more match. A single victory more and they are MLS Cup champions and will have completed a rare double of regular season and playoff champions, something only possible for the most cohesive of teams.

--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com