Recap: The Crew had a dream season in 2008. They dominated their opposition all year, and completed a memorable playoff run. They won the Supporters Shield by a huge margin and won four more games than any other team in the league. There is simply nothing that they didn’t do well, so the Crew get an A+ for 2008.
Offense: Columbus scored the most goals in the East this year, and they trailed only the Gals in total goals scored. Moreno had a resurgent year, and Schelotto is perhaps the best field general in MLS history. Robbie Rogers had a great year as well, and overall the CMB O just couldn’t be stopped, so they get an A+ for 2008.
Defense: The Crew’s defense was fantastic and their turnaround from 2007 was quite remarkable. They finished 3rd in the league in goals allowed. Hesmer doesn’t get enough credit for their stinginess. He was third in the league in save percentage at 73.5%. Overall, the Crew pick up another A+ for defense.
Needs: All the Crew need now is not to lose any of their core group of players. Robbie Rogers has been rumored to be moving overseas, and Schelotto, as always, is at the center of gossip linking him with a move back to his homeland. If the Crew can keep its attacking leaders, 2009 should be as good as ’08.
