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Columbus puts shutout streak on the line against TFC

Apr 22, 2011 - 8:06 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Since suffering a 3-1 defeat to D.C. United to open the season, the Columbus Crew has gone unbeaten in its next four games, recording clean sheets in all of them.

In fact, Columbus has gone 373 minutes without conceding a goal, which is just one minute shy of the club record set in 2009.

Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer has been between the posts for all four of the shutouts, and he will put that streak on the line on Saturday at BMO Field against Trillium Cup rivals Toronto FC.

Goals will be at a premium for both sides with Toronto having gone 243 minutes without a goal, while Columbus has not done much better with three goals in its last four games.

Scoring will be important for both teams, but Toronto will be focused on getting off to a strong start after giving up two goals in the opening 10 minutes of a 3-0 loss to D.C. United last time out.

The Reds have conceded four goals in the opening 15 minutes of games so far this season, and midfielder Julian de Guzman believes that the early part of Saturday's game will be crucial.

"Every game that you play in MLS I think the most important moment is the first 15 to 20 minutes . . . and we have to use the home advantage, especially with the fans behind us, and it's something we didn't do," De Guzman said.

The Crew recorded its second win in three games last time out, beating Sporting Kansas City, 1-0, on a goal from Robbie Rogers.

But much of the attention has been focused on the defense, and although Hesmer gets a lot of credit for his play in goal, defender Chad Marshall feels as though the team is having success on the defensive end due to hard work.

"No one wants to let anybody down," Marshall said. "No one wants to be that one mistake that happens in the game. Maybe that was a problem in the past. We'd give up one mistake a game and get punished. When the mistake happens now guys are busting to get over there and cover it. It's fun to be a part of it."