Crew get back on track - three things from the legendary night

It was a legendary night in Columbus on Saturday evening as the Crew honored the enshrinement of Guillermo Barros Schelotto into their Circle of Honor. It was a highlight in and of itself to relive the moments that made Schelotto one of, if not the, greatest player to don a Crew kit. While the magician himself couldn't be there a number of other legends showed in support, Brian McBride, Dante Washington, Frankie Hejduk, Duncan Oughton to name a few. It was quite a way to set the stage for what felt like a must win against a long time rival in DC United as the playoff stretch gets underway. These are my three things from the 2-1 win.

Daniel Gazdag opens his account

Maybe it was poetic justice for a player who's been struggling to find the back of the net to be able to breakthrough on a penalty he earned. As moments seemed to get heavier by each match he went scoreless, the groans from the fans were starting to get louder. Displeasure was starting to creep in, questions being asked of whether or not he's a fit, and if he can actually help this team. What makes sports so great is all it takes is one moment and everything can change. For Daniel Gazdag that moment came in the 31st minute in his 15th start for the Crew. He showed his class as he attacked the goal with intent and was taken down after beating Lucas Bartlett who had no other option but to take Gazdag down. Typically Diego Rossi is the team's designated penatly taker, but in a moment of pure class he gave the chance to Gazdag to finally get into the books and ingratiate himself to the home crowd. Sure enough he made no doubt about it and the eruption from the crowd was one that's been building for quite some time. It sure felt like a collective release of pent up emotion in support of a player we all want to be at his best, and for him it had to feel like a weight off his shoulders. Statistically Gazdag has played 16 games (15 starts) and is already second on the team in expected goals (6.17) only behind team leader in goals Rossi (10.74). His expected goal difference of -5.17 is by far the worst on the team with Dylan Chambost sitting at second lowest with -1.46. These numbers highlight how unlucky he's been and how long overdue his first goal was. Now that he's broken through I look forward to a player that can tap into his abilities more freely and really come into his best as this is the point in the season we will need it the most.

Lassi Lappalainen also opens his account

Not to be outdone by the high profile signing Lassi Lappalainen also opened his account for the team in his 10th appearance. There was a bit of a scramble in the box as Max Arfsten was looking to settle a ball it was tackled away and fortunately fell into the path of Lappalainen who struck it first time past the diving keeper who had no chance at it. It proved to be the game winner scored just two minutes after he stepped onto the pitch. Lassi adds that goal to his two assists in the score book this season, which is pretty significant production out of a player who we've seen limited time from. He certainly has potential to be an impact player for the team as we now find ourselves with 10 games remaining in league play. His health has been the only thing really holding him back as he's dealt with nagging injuries to this point in his tenure, but one thing is for sure, when he plays he certainly seems to be a threat in the attacking third, which is exactkt

Taha Habroune earned first start of the season

Coach Nancy chose Taha to start on Saturday over Jacen Russell-Rowe. It felt like a move where coach wanted to see what Taha could do with the first team from the start, and how he navigated the ebbs and flows of a match. It appears Nancy is still on the search for someone who commands the target position for the attack. It was a bit of an uncomfortable fit for Taha, his 6.3 rating was tied for second lowest of the starting eleven (Rossi registered a 6.1). He was dispossessed twice, which was second highest in the eleven (Rossi dispossessed six times), and did not register a key pass, any successful dribbles, didn't draw any fouls and was lowest of the starting eleven in pass completion (79.2% on 24 passes). There were times he looked a little lost and by the end of his first start of the season and by the time he was subbed off the lingering question could be asked of his accomplishment during the game. However, it's a bit rash to judge too harshly on the first start of the season, he's clearly a talented player and will have an impact at some point. All that can be drawn from Saturday is that coach Nancy knows what he has now, he just had to see it. He's not quite ready to start, but can certainly contribute in a relief role. What will be very interesting is when recent signing Hugo Picard becomes available after the official start of the summer transfer window on July 24, is who he leap frogs for playing time, if anyone. In my opinion Saturday was Taha's audition for more run, and with help on the way, we'll see if he left a little to be desired in coach's eyes.

With 24 matches now played in league play, the time for figuring out rotations, players that can contribute is coming to a quick close. These last 10 games of the season are going to dictate if the team is ready to make a serious run or not. It would behoove Columbus to ensure a top four finish in the East to at least lock in the home field advantage for the first round best of three series. As it stands that's where they sit, only three points clear of Inter Miami who have a huge three games in hand still in play. That being said the Crew sit only four points behind current East leader Cincinnati, which means they aren't out of the conversation for challenging the top spot as well. It'll be a sprint to the finish and a lot of questions in the standings remain to be answered. They have another big game at home this Friday against a hungry Orlando team that'll be looking to improve on their playoff position, which will be their last league game for two weeks (leagues cup group stage games will be played in between). Getting a win at home on Friday will be crucial to setting the stage for what hopes to be a strong finish for the team.