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Columbus aims to shut down red-hot K.C. attack

Apr 15, 2011 - 10:30 PM Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - Sporting Kansas City travels to take on the Columbus Crew in the fourth of 10 straight road games to open the 2011 Major League Soccer season on Saturday.

Kansas City has had mixed results this season, going 1-1-1, scoring eight goals but also giving up eight in the early going.

The Crew (1-1-20, conversely, have scored just three while giving up three in one more game played this season.

"Kansas City is a very dangerous team," midfielder Robbie Rogers told mlssoccer.com. "We're at home. We need to score a few goals and play an attacking style of soccer. We need to defend like we have the past few games and play positive soccer."

The Crew are hoping to add some bit to their offensive attack while not taking anything away from what has been a sound defense so far.

"Soccer is a team game," Crew midfielder Eddie Gaven told his club's website. "[Defending is] not just four guys in the back playing D; [attacking is] not just the two guys up top playing offense. [Scoring] is something we need to work on as a team."

Even the defenders admit they could be adding a little more to the other aspect of their games.

"Everyone can be better offensively," Crew defender Chad Marshall told his club's website. "We could be better building the ball out of the back, finding those midfielders and forwards with more time."

A positive for the Crew is Sporting's red-hot attack is expected to be cooled by the fact that designated player Omar Bravo will be out for the next three- six weeks after having sports hernia surgery.

Also expected to be out for Sporting are forward Konrad Warzycha, defender Chance Myers and midfielder Luke Sassano because of injuries. Midfielder Ryan Smith is doubtful, while midfielder Graham Zusi and defender Julio Cesar is probable.

The Crew will be without defenders Shaun Francis and Danny O'Rourke because of injuries.