Crew combined talent, camaraderie in 2008 title season

Sigi Schmid noticed the fabric of something special in 2007.

That season, the Crew coach’s second team missed the Major League Soccer playoffs by three points in disappointing fashion — a “phantom PK” led to a critical September loss in Kansas City — but showed the framework of a winning product. On the last day of the season, the team defeated the Supporters’ Shield-winning D.C. United on the road.

“The feeling was, ‘This is something we can build on,’” forward Alejandro Moreno said.

What blossomed from that feeling was the team’s first and only MLS Cup title, in 2008. The Crew will celebrate the 10th anniversary of that championship at halftime of Saturday’s home game against Philadelphia. More than 10 former players and coaches, including Schmid, are expected to attend.

In the days leading up to the reunion, the team looked back on a dominant 2008 season, one that started with a well-constructed roster and a few adjustments.

Danny O’Rourke and Chad Marshall blended speed and aerial ability at center back, Brian Carroll proved a key addition as a steady defensive midfield presence and Brad Evans filled in nicely as a central midfielder after a Frankie Hejduk holds up the MLS Cup trophy after the Crew’s 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Carson, Calif., on Nov. 23, 2008. The Crew will celebrate that championship at halftime of Saturday’s home game against Philadelphia.