As Columbus Crew SC gets set to face New York City FC on Saturday, the Black & Gold prepare for their first-ever match at Yankee Stadium.
Playing in one of America’s most famous sporting venues may be something special, but for goalkeeper Steve Clark it’s just business as usual.
“I’m sure it’ll be interesting to see it, but I really don’t smell the roses too much before the game,” Clark says. “I just get on with business. We’re on a business trip and that’s it. But someday it’ll be nice to look back.”
Clark is quick to establish what Saturday’s match is all about – earning a road win.
“We want to go get a full three points, even more so than normal,” Clark says. “We just want to go in there and win. That’s it. Simple.”
The match at Yankee Stadium kicks off the final stretch of the regular-season that includes five away games and just three at home for the Black & Gold.
Considering how tough it can to be to win on the road in MLS, one could view that final stretch as a challenge. But Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter prefers to view it as an opportunity.
“The first thing I look at is that our form away from home has improved over this last half of the season, and we feel confident that we can get results on the road now,” he says. “Now we have the opportunity to do so with five games being away from home, so it’s a good opportunity for us to prove it.”
The Black & Gold get that opportunity after drawing NYCFC 2-2 at MAPFRE Stadium 10 days earlier. That match was the first-ever contest between the two sides. Midfielder Ethan Finlay appreciates the opportunity to face New York City again so soon.
“I think the familiarity helps us, to be honest, at least for me as a player,” Finlay says. “You get an understanding of the guy you’re going up against, so I enjoy that part of it. I think it’s going to be good for us because we do such a good job of preparation and knowing what to expect. Now we’ve seen it, now it’s not just video—we’ve lived it.”
One notable player who didn’t make an appearance against Columbus the first time around is NYCFC midfielder Frank Lampard. In looking ahead to this weekend’s match, Berhalter expects to see the Englishman back on the pitch after recovering from a quadriceps injury.
“He’s been out for a while, I expect him to come back into the fold,” Berhalter says. “If he plays, we’ve got to watch out because he’s a good player – scores a lot of goals, very active and it’s going to be tough. But we’re looking forward to the game. I think it’s a good opportunity to continue this run.”
Unbeaten in five of their last six matches, the pieces are falling into place for the Black & Gold as they get ready for the final two months of the regular season.
“We’re a team that has some continuity right now, we’ve gotten some guys that are gelling with the team that we got mid-summer,” Finlay says. “When you get that kind of a team that you can get 14, 15, 16 guys deep, coming off the bench and helping you out every game, it’s tough to beat.”
Regarding Crew SC’s new signees, Berhalter has been very pleased with the attitudes and quality of play from Columbus’ fresh faces.
“They’ve been doing well,” Berhalter says. “I think timing is everything. With Harrison [Afful], he’s been thrust into a starting role early on. I think he’s done well [...] Cedrick [Mabwati] has been making an impact as well, coming off the bench. And Jack [McInerney], obviously, with his movement and his ability, showed that he can score goals. So we’re happy with the new additions to the team.”
Whether they have been with the club or are new additions, all 18 on Crew SC’s matchday roster will play at Yankee Stadium for the first time.
As for Clark, the allure of playing in Yankee Stadium may be a good memory, but only if the Black & Gold take home the three points.
“Maybe I’ll take one picture,” he says, “on the way out after the win or something.”
Kickoff for Crew SC vs. NYCFC is set for 4 p.m. ET. Catch the action on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel, CD 102.5 or La Mega 103.1.
