They play in black and gold, but the names on the back of the jersey aren't Gaven, Marshall, or Miranda. It is more likely you will see Perry, Horton, or Lampson; this is the Crew reserve team. It is a group of players who haven't been successful in the league quite yet. Often, they are deep in the depth chart and need to stay sharp and catch the coaches eye.
Often playing games on the same field as the first team, they entertain a crowd of dozens in reserve games on Sunday mornings. Fans sitting a mere ten feet from the sideline can hear the players shouting instructions to each other or, occasionally trash talking an opponent. It certainly doesn't have the glamour of pro sports, but it does serve a valuable purpose for both the team and players. It is a real live game.
MLS created the Reserve League in 2005 to further player development with the growth of the roster. The Crew took to the idea immediately and used it as a way to game time to the bench. Not all of the teams agreed that it was a benefit. Extensive travel and cost bit into the budgets of a lot of teams, and the program was scrapped in 2008.
MLS brought back the Reserve League in 2011 in the form of a regional competition. The Crew again made the most of the opportunity. With rosters now up to 30 players, it was the perfect chance to get players buried deep on the bench into a game.
Crew starting goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum played four years in the reserve league, playing in both the first version and last year's revival. He was quick to attest to the league's value.
"That experience can help a lot," he said. "Especially when you are younger to get used to the speed of play."
He also attested to the value of having the league, "Obviously, its good to get games." Gruenebaum then added "When they did away with it, (the importance) became apparent."
Several other Crew starters paid their dues in the reserve team. In addition to Gruenebaum, Eric Gehrig, Justin Meram, and the team's breakout defender, Josh Williams were Reserve League regulars before getting their breaks this year.
Williams certainly understands the role these games played in his young career. "The reserve league gave me a chance so I take this really seriously. It seems like everyone on the first team has been on the reserve team."
The Crew's home-grown players have seen extensive action with the reserves this year. Goalkeeper Matt Lampson has started three Reserve League games this year. Ben Speas got his first game action in black and gold after coming off a long injury layoff.
Aaron Horton was clear on his goals going into each reserve match.
"This is my chance to prove that I can play with the first team," Horton said. "These are really important. Every time I step on the field I really want to play well”
Head Coach Robert Warzycha saw the opportunity, and delegated the coaching to his assistant Ricardo Iribarren. Iribarren is free to manage the game as he sees fit.
Iribarren said the goals of a reserve match is a little different from a regular match.
"Its good for the young guys and the players coming off of injuries." He added "They get minutes and get in shape to be ready for the first team.”
While the team has near daily practice, it doesn't match the experience of a reserve game. Iribarren also noted "They (get to) play with an opponent that is not their teammates." This live game action is something the coaches really value.
The players and staff aren't the only ones to take the competition seriously. There are fans that will take a long lunch for a weekday game or make it a family outing on the weekends. A recent Sunday morning game had an attendance around 100. The Portland Timbers actually have season tickets for their reserve games.
While the Crew hasn't had to take those steps, there are fans that are just as involved. The Hudson Street Hooligans supporters group created a Reserve League trophy to celebrate the Crew's 2011 championship and presented it to the team at the end of the season.
While some keep an eye on the reserve leagues, this is work that is often not seen by the vast majority of Crew fans. Many of these players won't be superstars and some may be out of the game in a few years, but for now, they get to play the game they love with the hopes of emulating Gruenebaum and Williams and getting that shot join the first team.
