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US: MLS Preview- Columbus v Chicago [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
Columbus Crew (9-13-3, 30 pts) v Chicago Fire (13-10-3, 42 pts)
When: 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, September 17, 2005
Where: Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Until they crumbled under the New England juggernaut last weekend, Columbus was pressing to make the playoffs, and this match with Chicago, who currently hold the final playoff spot in the East, loomed large. Now, 12 points out with only 7 games left, Columbus is nearly assured of an early vacation.
But Columbus still has much to prove to themselves and to the club officials. Everyone on the Crew is playing for their jobs right now, including interim head coach Robert Warzycha. Former Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid is rumored to take over sometime soon, and all the players know this.
The attackers John Wolyniec, Cornell Glen, and Edson Buddle would do well to have some success against Chicago’s league third-worst defense. The biggest question mark is Kyle Marino.
The precocious talent has not shown very well this season, but if he can produce a good performance against Chicago’s tough midfield stalwarts Chris Armas and Jesse Marsch, it will go a long way toward proving his worth to the club. Otherwise, the time will come for Martino to move on.
Chicago have been rollercoasting for the past two months and are now only five points ahead of the MetroStars in the battle for the final playoff spot. They are well rested after nearly two weeks off and really must get points from this match.
The key will again be Justin Mapp, who will be expected to drive at the Columbus defence, creating space and chances for strikers Chris Rolfe and Andy Herron. Also, back from a two-month injury layoff is big bruising striker Nate Jaqua, who still leads the team with 7 goals.
The key matchup will be Mapp versus the Crew’s Frankie Hejduk out wide. Both players love to get forward and cross the ball in for scoring opportunities. Whoever wins that battle should win the game.
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