Call-ups create opportunities for Crew reserves
No Zack Steffen. No Wil Trapp. No Gyasi Zardes. And no Waylon Francis or Justin Meram.
The first round of international call-ups has hit Crew SC just when it is beginning to generate some momentum to begin a long, 34-game season.
But coach Caleb Porter has prepared for this.
Porter projects a “next man up” mentality in training every day as a focus on the psychology of his club. With a few players likely to make their first appearance of the season on Saturday night at the Philadelphia Union, Porter is counting on some of his reserves to help the Crew to its third win in four games.
“I’ve always found that when you get the opportunity to play some of those guys, there’s just a whole other level of energy in the locker room because they’ve taken, now, ownership in getting points and contributing to the season,” Porter said. “Not just in training but in games now.”
Trapp and Zardes are with the U.S. men’s national team. Francis was called up by the Costa Rica national team, and Meram by Iraq. In addition, Artur, a starter in the defensive midfield, is questionable because of injury.
The Union will also be missing three starters from last week to callups, as well as midfielder Marco Fabian, who is serving a one-game suspension.
Steffen did not join the national team and has stayed in Columbus after suffering a right knee injury on a goal kick last week in training. He could return in time for a game next week against Atlanta United, the defending Major League Soccer champion.
This will be the first time the Crew gets a look at what life might look like without Steffen when he leaves for Manchester City of the English Premier League after the Gold Cup in July. The Crew agreed to transfer Steffen for a reported $10 million fee.
The Crew signed Joe Bendik in December after he spent the past three seasons as the starter for Orlando City. He and Jon Kempin have been competing for the second goalkeeper spot throughout the preseason.
Porter would not disclose who would start against Philadelphia but said in the preseason that he’s constantly evaluating players. It’s possible the keeper who starts Saturday might not officially be the backup while Steffen is with the club.
The only position in question in the starting lineup is at striker — Patrick Mullins or JJ Williams. Ricardo Clark should fill in for Trapp. Robinho will start for the second straight game at Meram’s left midfielder spot, and Hector Jimenez will likely start at left back in place of Francis.
Mullins was left off the 18-player roster for the season opener while Williams was available but didn’t play. Both have been on the 18-player roster since then.
“When national team duties come, there’s opportunity,” Mullins said. “It’s not necessarily just an opportunity as an individual to show
you strength as a team. I think that’s a message Caleb has said to us this week. That’s the message I’ve taken on.”
Wrapping up
The Crew sent midfielder Edward Opoku on loan to Birmingham of the United Soccer League on Friday. He is the fourth Crew player loaned to a USL team this season.