Peter Nowak: Friend of the Crew

Many longtime Crew fans will remember that before Peter Nowak was the head coach of the U-23's and the assistant to Bob Bradley with the senior national team, he was one in a line of many hated players on the Chicago Fire's roster. More recently, he was the head coach of D.C. United for a few years. So, why am I calling him a friend of the Crew?

Quite plainly, because he's the man who came up with this:

U-23 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Roster

No. Name Club
1 Seitz, Chris Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2 Wynne, Marvell Toronto FC (MLS)
3 Orozco, Michael San Luis (Mexico)
4 Ianni, Patrick Houston Dynamo (MLS)
5 Sturgis, Nathan Real Salt Lake (MLS)
6 Edu, Maurice Toronto FC (MLS)
7 Holden, Stuart Houston Dynamo (MLS)
8 Zizzo, Sal San Diego, Calif. Hannover 96 (Germany)
9 Davies, Charlie Hammarby IF (Sweden)
10 McCarty, Dax FC Dallas (MLS)
11 Adu, Freddy SL Benfica (Portugal)
12 Altidore, Jozy N.Y. Red Bulls (MLS)
13 Freeman, Hunter N.Y. Red Bulls (MLS)
14 Findley, Robbie Real Salt Lake (MLS)
15 Hill, Kamani VfL Wolfsburg (Germany)
16 Kljestan, Sacha Chivas USA (MLS)
17 Spector, Jonathan West Ham United (England)
18 Cervi, Dominic Not Under Contract
19 Barrett, Chad Chicago Fire (MLS)
20 Gaven, Eddie Columbus Crew (MLS)

Since leaving Robbie Rogers off the team this past spring, the 21-year old has pushed himself even harder, and it's paying off. Even before putting in two goals against San Jose this weekend, Robbie Rogers has been the fastest player on the field, and the player who has the most dangerous looks on goal. To be sure, no one is selling Guille or Moreno short, as they are the two main cogs that drive the Crew offense. But ponder this: If there is one Crew player you want in a 1-v-1 with the keeper, who is it?

Already, Robbie has made Brad Guzan, Kevin Hartman, and Joe Cannon look like fools. While maybe not the best in the world, those three are veteran MLS keepers. And as we've seen time and again, it's beginning to look like the keeper is a more important factor than the right back for whatever team is trying to stop Mr. Rogers. He's faster than most forwards in the league, let alone most defenders.

But let's not pretend Robbie Rogers hasn't had this ability, and that Peter Nowak caused him to suddenly blossom into the full blown offensive threat he is by leaving him off the roster. Everyone could clearly see that Rogers was a tremendous talent last year, especially after the D.C. finale. While Rogers only played in 6 games last year, he had three goals. What Nowak did was ensure that Robbie Rogers didn't think he had arrived. Rogers has obviously been playing hard every match, and is reaping the rewards.

Still, everyone knows, deep down inside, being told "you're not good enough" will eat away at anyone. The best of us find away to turn that spurning into motivation, and Rogers has clearly put the right spin on the situation. And this week, he has the opportunity to take his show on the international stage against T.F.C. at the "Home of the Argonauts". Let's hope his play continues to translate, even on the plastic pitch.