Garey goal not enough for Crew

Despite Jason Garey's goal in the 20th minute, West Ham beat Columbus 3-1

By Craig Merz / MLSnet.com Staff

Jason Garey's goal in the 20th minute proved not enough as West Ham United defeated Columbus 3-1. (Getty Images)

OK, so it's only in a fantasy soccer league, but the point is that Elenio knew what he was getting into when he faced the visitors in Crew Stadium.

"He's a pretty good defender. It was fun to play against him," said Elenio, an ardent Arsenal supporter.

Although the Crew dropped a 3-1 decision, Elenio had a foot on the lone score when he found Jason Garey in the box for a strong header in the 20th minute that tied the score at 1-1.

"They gave me a lot of space," Elenio said. "I actually, saw Jason and Steve (Lenhart) go to goal. I saw Jason go to the near post. I put it in as hard as could I put it. If it's near his head that guy is going to bury it."

Elenio and Garey were part of the starting lineup that had no one from the Crew's 3-3 league tie vs. Kansas City on Thursday. After the equalizer, West Ham took the lead when defender Brad Evans kicked the ball into his own goal in the 26th minute.

"That was tough, especially after we worked so hard to tie it," Elenio said. A mixture of Crew youngsters and veterans working back from injury trailed 2-1 at the half before a bevy of regulars entered.

Brian Carroll entered at the start of the second half but said he didn't feel the inexperienced players on the first XI were awestruck playing a club from what many consider the best league in the world.

"Once the game started it was just another game," he said.

Elenio agreed. "It was a real exciting opportunity. I really enjoyed it," he said. "There was no pressure on me. I know the guys over there have been playing for a lot of years so it was really fun to get out there and give it my best."

The match had special meaning for Crew rookie defender Andy Iro, who grew up in Liverpool, a fan of another Premiership rival in Newcastle United.

"Playing against guys I watched, almost idolizing, it was a cool experience," he said.

While hoping for a better outcome, Iro said the Crew had a good effort.

"We put up a pretty legitimate challenge," he said. "The two goals they scored were phenomenal strikes. Maybe it shows the difference in quality but I think we held our own. We had certain spots where we had good possession. They're not at the peak of their game yet. They're trying to get in the best condition for when the Premiership starts Aug. 16. We gave them a good test, caused them some problems defensively. It was a good tune-up for them."

While West Ham turns its attention to Thursday's MLS All-Star Game in Toronto, the Crew will focus on their next league match Sunday at Colorado. The Crew are 2-1-3 in its past six matches but still sit second in the Eastern Conference.

"This was a good chance for guys to get experience, get some minutes," Carroll said. "We wanted to do well but we had to be smart. It's a long summer, a long season and we have to save our legs and build depth as much as possible."

Craig Merz is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.