Columbus vs. Colorado - Eastern Conference Semifinals

While Columbus' season has been somewhat of a roller coaster for fans and players, the Crew seem to have regained some valuable momentum heading into the playoffs.  Following a midweek victory over Joe Public in the CONCACAF Champions' League, the Crew gave the fans something to appreciate on Fan Appreciation Day at Crew Stadium with a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

For the Colorado Rapids, it was a much less satisfying end of the MLS campaign.  Despite leading defending MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake 2-0 heading into 2nd half stoppage time, the Rapids gave up 2 goals in injury time to keep Salt Lake alive for the Supporter's Shield (which ultimately went to the Galaxy with their victory on Sunday.)

This matchup will come down to whether or not the Crew's defense will be able to slow down the goal scoring tandem of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings.  Casey and Cummings have combined for 50 goals over the past two seasons and for the Crew to have any chance, they will need to slow down this duo. 

The Crew's defense seems to have gotten its chemistry together in the last game as Chad Marshall and Andy Iro are towering presences who affect the game at both ends of the field.  Captain Frankie Hejduk is a constant force at the back and rookie left back Shaun Francis has proved he is more than ready to handle the pressures of the MLS Playoffs.

The always dangerous Guillermo Barros Schelotto will lead the Columbus attack.  Steven Lenhart is likely to get the start along Guillermo up top in Commerce City as Emilio Renteria has been ruled out of the opening leg of this series.

Despite losing goalkeeper William Hesmer to an unfortunate shoulder injury in the game against the Union, the Crew have a competent backup in Andy Gruenebaum.  Gruenebaum was between the pipes for the Crew's games in the Champions' League as well as the U.S. Open Cup matches.

Prediction: Robert Warzycha learns from his mistake of not starting GBS in Salt Lake last year and Guillermo leads the Crew to a 1-1 draw in the first leg with the goals coming from Omar Cummings for the Rapids and Robbie Rogers getting on the scoresheet for the boys in black and gold.