Crew Win Handily over Battery

By Derrick Smith

COLUMBUS, OH - July 6, 2010 - A dominating performance propelled the Crew to a 3-0 victory with goals from Emilio Renteria, Steven Lehnart and second-half sub Eddie Gaven. The game was controlled by the Crew with few shots landing on target from the Battery attackers. A penalty was awarded to the Crew in the 37th minute as Steven Lehnart was upended by Battery midfielder Stephen Armstrong, changing the complexion of the game with less than 10 minutes to halftime.

Once the second half began, the Crew carried the play and were quite effective at creating chances on goal. The insertion of Eddie Gaven and the long awaited debut of LeAndre Griffit added to the Crew's creativity. Griffit's patience on the ball opened the door for Ekpo to feed a perfect ball that Gaven struck home for the third and final goal of the night.

Griffit seemed content to not do too much. Having been given just 15 minutes so far this season (all during last night's game against the Battery), Griffit seemed timid to some, but patient in my eyes. I look for Griffit to open up as the minutes increase.

The Crew look poised to advance to the final, the only thing that stands in their way is the winner of the Harrisburg City/D.C. United match to be played later this month.

The rest of the stuff.....

-Although small in number, the home crowd was boisterous and lively. At times, the Nordecke were "blowing" fake vuvuzellas, perhaps in homage to ex-Crew player Stephen Armstrong, a South African. But more than likely just for the sake of getting on the nerves of the Battery players.

-At one point the Nordecke shouted "show no mercy" over and over again. Good stuff.

-I love the U.S. Open Cup competition. A lot of fans and media members do not give this tournament enough credit. But when I see the opposing coaching staff walking through the tunnel, taking pictures with their phones, or players bending over to pet the grass and arise with a big smile, you have to love what this tournament means.

-The Crew are two wins away from hardware, no matter how you spin it, that's a good place to be.

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