Columbus Crew search for consistency at early season crossroads
The Columbus Crew are looking to end a two-game dip by learning from adversity and increasing consistency in match at New York Red Bulls.
After stringing together moments of good and other stretches of bad , the Crew continue to pursue an elusive goal. More: Columbus Crew need answers after humbling loss to New York City FC They're looking for a full 90-plus minutes of playing their preferred style under coach Henrik Rydstrom, creating organized chaos, rather than straying too far off course into moments of sheer frustration. Too often thus far, they’ve lost their way and now find themselves tied for 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference.
They're just 3-6-3 after dropping their past two matches, including an ugly 3-0 loss May 10 at New York City FC , and up next is another tough road match against the New York Red Bulls on May 13 in Harrison, New Jersey. “We haven’t put [in] that solid performance, 90 minutes, week in and week out so far,” Rydstrom said. “It’s been maybe two games, and then not so good, and you don’t really see it coming.
” Rydstrom, a tennis fan, was asked to use that sport for an analogy to describe the Crew's inconsistency. He settled on great tennis players staying focused and determined, even if it takes all five sets to win a match. “The not-so-good players, they are good in three sets,” Rydstrom said.
“So, we are still there. ” They've had moments of brilliance and moments of darkness. It’s time for the Crew to find their way out of that darkness more consistently because it’s getting late early in their hope to make good memories this season.