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Crew seek first win against Rapids

Apr 10, 2009 - 11:38 PM By Dan Pieringer Stats Writer

Colorado (2-1-0) at Columbus (0-2-2), 7:30 p.m. EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Columbus Crew put together a remarkable run down the stretch last season en route to their second Supporters' Shield and first MLS Cup title. They haven't won since that championship game.

The Crew try again for their first victory Saturday night, when they host the Colorado Rapids, going for their third straight win.

Columbus was dominant in the second half of last season, going 9-2-2 after the All-Star break before defeating Kansas City, Chicago and New York in the playoffs to claim its first MLS Cup.

However, that success hasn't carried over to this season. The Crew (0-2-2) have played more games than any other team but are one of five that has yet to win. They haven't scored more than one goal in any match.

"What we did last year was great, but to be honest, last year is in the past right now," midfielder Eddie Gaven said. "This year, we can't just go out on the field based on what we did last year. ... It's a totally new year.

"Teams are really going after us this year, which maybe they weren't so much last year. It's definitely going to be much, much harder. We're just going to have to put last year in the past and move on."

Though his club suffered its second consecutive loss Sunday, 2-1, at Chivas USA, Crew coach Robert Warzycha was happier with the effort.

"I think we went forward, to be honest with you," he said. "... I'm disappointed with the result, but I'm pleased with the performance."

Warzycha hopes for better results with the Rapids (2-1-0) coming to town, but Colorado could be tough to beat if Conor Casey plays like he did last week.

Casey scored three goals, including one just 16 seconds into the match, to lead the Rapids to a 3-2 road win over Los Angeles last Saturday night. It was the second career hat trick for Casey, who led the team with 11 goals last season despite missing the first nine games while recovering from offseason knee surgery.

"His worth to the team is immense, goals aside," Rapids coach Gary Smith said after last week's victory. "For a big guy, he's got terrific technique and very good vision. The pressure he attracts offers opportunities to others."

Casey said being healthy for the preseason gave him an edge coming into the 2009 campaign.

"Being able to make it through an entire preseason is huge," he said. "I don't think I've been able to do that in three or four years."

While Casey's health is making a difference for Colorado, Columbus is dealing with the absences of several key contributors. The Crew will likely be without defenders Frankie Hejduk (hamstring), Chad Marshall (facial contusion) and Andy Iro (suspension) on Saturday.

"That's unfortunate for us that we have some injuries," Warzycha said. "Hopefully, these (replacements) can step up and fill in for the starters. They have a chance to make a name for themselves. ... I'm not asking for a lot of things. I'm just asking them to play hard and give me a 100-percent effort."

The Rapids dropped both of their matches against the Crew last season, including a 2-1 defeat in Columbus.