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.

Exhibition Games

Apparently the Crew didn't do so hot against Shitcago, losing 3-2. Damn it. Even though it's just an exhibition, I hate to lose to those bastards. Also, their Polish trialist Tomasz Frankowski scored twice in 3 minutes, which should make the Shitcago Aryan Brotherhood very happy. Racists.

Oh, and in case you're keeping score, our almost Polish player, Doucheski, and his suck-ass 3rd division Greek squad got hit by an earthquake.



Can't stand that guy.

Zurawski Has a New Nickname

And that would be "Douche-ski"

So, why did the Polish striker decide to turn down Columbus' offer? Read on:

"I wanted to go to Columbus, I really did. But, when I heard about the length of contract they wanted me to sign, the smile disappeared from my face. Three years in the United States would be too much, I think. So I was full of stress again because I couldn't accept this length of deal. Going back to Poland would have been the ultimate, but I didn't have one single offer from home... The biggest difference in Greece is the weather. I have moved from Scotland, a rainy and gloomy dark land, to a place where the sun shines for 12 months of the year.

Douche-ski didn't want to play for Columbus because he didn't like the weather, didn't want a three-year deal, or was depressed. Also, he apparently realizes how suck-ass Larissa is, and is doing all he can to endure himself to the fans:

"Larissa is my last chance and I hope I will find a better club in future than some team in the middle of the Greek league."

How can a team be your "last chance" when you're hoping to play for a "better club in future than some team in the middle of the Greek league"?

Forget being depressed about losing this guy. I am convinced now after reading these quotes that Dousche-ski would have been a headcase/locker room cancer/prima donna, and the Crew will ultimately be better without him.

Still, they need to find someone to score goals.

Just Like Magic...

POOF! He's gone.

Maciej Zurawski signs with Greek side Larissa.

Honestly, I was debating whether or not to use "Larissa Expains It All" as the title.

First off, it's easy to blame the Crew, Hunt Sports Group, McCullers, MLS, etc... But the blame lies squarely with Zurawski, if anyone. He was the one who decided that he would rather go play for a suck-ass 3rd division Greek squad than to play for the Crew. His agent didn't so much as give the Crew a chance to counter offer. Obviously, Zurawski got a better offer, took the money, and ran. That's his perogative (or is that "pirogitive?", but that's not on the Crew FO. I wish they would have got this deal done, but as more details come out, there looks as though there wasn't much those guys could do.

This loss does suck, just because it puts the Crew back at square one, looking for an impact player who can join the squad and make an immediate impact. However, I don't think it's the end of the world. Remember, last year, Sigi pulled Guillermo Barros Schelotto out of Argentina in the first month of the season. Since the Crew have been actively looking, there's a chance they have other solid "back up" players they're loking at, and in MLS, a "back-up" plan can still be a 15 goal-scorer.

Still, it's maddening the luck this club seems to have sometimes. My hope is that by the end of the season, we're toasting the DP signee we got, and looking back on this ordeal as a blessing, and not a curse.

Also, I hope Zurawski breaks every leg in his sausage-eating body.