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Crew-Wizards Preview

May 22, 2010 - 6:11 PM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

Columbus (5-0-2) at Kansas City (2-3-2), 4:00 p.m. EDT

Even without their leading scorer, the Columbus Crew played well in their last game. With Guillermo Barros Schelotto back in the lineup, the two-time defending Supporters' Shield winners look to continue their brilliant start.

Eastern Conference-leading Columbus tries to extend its undefeated stretch over the Kansas City Wizards to eight Sunday when the teams meet at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Although he wasn't given a card, Schelotto was suspended one game by the MLS disciplinary committee for elbowing Michael Umana in a 1-0 victory at Chivas USA on May 15. With the 2008 MVP and team leading scorer (four goals) unavailable, the Crew (5-0-2) took over the top spot in the East with Thursday's 3-1 win at New York.

Eddie Gaven and Andy Iro each found the back of the net in the first half, while Emilio Renteria, a second-half substitute, scored his first MLS goal in the 83rd minute.

"We have a deep team. We showed that last year," coach Robert Warzycha told the Crew's official website. "I told everybody before the game I had a lot of confidence going into the game."

The Crew should have plenty of confidence heading into Sunday's game, with a 5-0-2 record against Kansas City since a 3-2 loss at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 15, 2007. In the teams' last meeting at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, Schelotto scored twice in a 2-0 victory June 6.

While Columbus is trying to build off its first road win of the season, Kansas City (2-3-2) is looking to remain undefeated (2-0-2) at home. The Wizards, though, are 0-3-2 in their last five matches.

Improved defense could help them win their first game since a 1-0 victory at Colorado on April 10. After giving up one goal in its first four games, Kansas City has allowed seven in the last three.

"We really just want to concentrate on putting together a performance that we're proud of," defender Jimmy Conrad told the Wizards' official website. "I think we've let ourselves down in different parts of the game. It's not necessarily how we're playing as a team but lapses in concentration in key moments."

The Wizards' offense also could use a boost. Kei Kamara, who has a team-leading five goals, scored twice in the second half to help Kansas City salvage a 2-all draw with Chicago on May 15. The fifth-year forward, though, is the only Wizard to score since Jack Jewsbury's penalty kick in a 4-0 season-opening win over D.C. United.

If Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer can shut out Kansas City, it will be his team-record 25th clean sheet.

The Wizards will be without midfielders Roger Espinoza, who is training with the Honduran national team for the World Cup, and Stephane Auvray, who is expected to miss up to two weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery Friday.

Graham Zusi will likely get his second straight start in place of Auvray.

Columbus midfielder Robbie Rogers and defender Chad Marshall are both training with the U.S. national team and will not be available.

The Crew lead the all-time series 18-16-5.