Week 12 in the MLS season was quite kind to the Columbus Crew.
Led by striker Emilio Renteria, the Crew came up with their first MLS win over former coach Sigi Schmid in seven tries to defeat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 at CenturyLink Field before returning home and topping the Chicago Fire 2-1 a few days later to win SBI MLS Team of the Week honors.
Renteria was the catalyst, scoring twice — including a great volley from distance against the Sounders –and assisting on another goal, but the club also got major contributions from Eddie Gaven and Justin Meram, while the back line was able to shut out the Sounders without Chad Marshall. After a rocky start to the season, the Crew are now unbeaten in their last five matches and are up to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The Crew's week topped that of Toronto FC, who won the Canadian championship and earned their first MLS win of the season; and D.C. United, who beat the New England Revolution to finish off a three-game home stand 3-0 and move into first place in the Eastern Conference.
What did you think of the Crew's performances? Do you think they can seriously contend in the East?
Share your thoughts below.