Columbus Crew SC is on a hot streak. Having conceded only two of its last 13 matches and winning three of its last four on the road, the Black & Gold are attacking the top of the Eastern Conference. Crew SC currently sits in third, just three points behind D.C. United at the top of the table.
Several factors have contributed to the team’s success, but a key aspect has been internal competition, coaches and players say.
Competition for a spot in the matchday 18 or starting 11 has intensified with Crew SC's additions over the summer, and it's having a positive impact on the field.
In its last three matches, players coming off the bench made the difference for the Black & Gold. Midfielder Cedrick Mabwati scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw with New York City FC, forward Jack McInerney netted the game winner against Sporting Kansas City, and midfielder Justin Meram secured three points with his match-winning strike at Yankee Stadium.
Sporting Director and Head Coach Berhalter says his team has benefitted not just from its overall depth, but from “guys believing that they’re contributing, whether it’s on the field or not on the field.”
That attitude is creating a positive, competitive training atmosphere that translates to overall success on the pitch.
“Guys that haven’t been in the 18 have just been pushing so hard to break into the 18, and guys that have been in the 18 are pushing so hard to become starters,” Berhalter says. “Collectively, that fuels the group and makes the group even stronger.”
Forward Aaron Schoenfeld agrees with his coach, acknowledging the team’s number of talented players and depth at each position.
“I feel like that’s going to propel us down the stretch, knowing that if someone goes down, we’re fine," he says. "There’s tons of depth and tons of guys more than capable of playing. Anyone’s going to be ready when their number’s called this year.”
Teammate and midfielder Mohammed Saeid says that’s what produces constant improvement.
"We push each other, we learn from each other. That’s what makes us better," he says. "Whenever we get the opportunity to play, we try to take it.”
Saeid has appeared in 21 matches for the Black & Gold so far this season, starting 16. He says everybody on the squad is ready to step up for their teammates at any point.
“You just have to stay mentally in it,” Schoenfeld says. “For me, I’m watching Kei [Kamara]. Watching his movements, watching what he’s doing defensively, just trying to mentally stay tuned in as much as possible, to make sure when I come in I’m on the same page as the next guy on the field.”
The Black & Gold have done that remarkably well over the last few matches and hope to carry their momentum into Sunday's match against FC Dallas.
"We’re on a pretty good run right now," Schoenfeld says. "The team’s kind of clicking, creating a lot of chances in the final third, and I just wanna see our team get three points."
Kickoff between Crew SC and FC Dallas is at 7 p.m. ET. Get your tickets here.
