COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of the most legendary players in the history of Columbus Crew SC returned to MAPFRE Stadium Wednesday night as an opponent.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto – the 2008 MLS and MLS Cup MVP who starred for the Crew from 2007-10 – returned to Columbus for the first time as head coach of the LA Galaxy. While he felt the love from his old fans, the result was less welcoming.
The Galaxy were stunned by a rare offensive onslaught from the Crew in a 3-1 affair that saw the Crew lead 3-0 by the 66th minute. An obviously frustrated Barros Schelotto said after the loss that while he has happy memories in Columbus, Wednesday night will not be added to the list.
“Of course there were touching feelings coming into the stadium,” he said. “I’m happy to come back, but I’m not happy with the result.”
Suffering a second straight loss following a seven-game unbeaten streak, Schelotto was straightforward in his assessment of the game: It wasn’t good enough. He did, however, compliment his former fans. He said he felt their appreciation in both the days leading up to the match and on game-day itself.
“We spent three days here before the game,” he said. “I could feel the warmth (from the fans) and the feelings. So it’s very nice.”
After watching from afar last season as the club secured new ownership and a solidified future in Columbus, Schelotto, a two-time Supporters' Shield champion with Columbus in 2008-09, said he is happy the Crew will be remaining in the city where he played.
“I heard about, ‘The Crew is moving,’ and the fans fought for them to stay here,” he said. “It was very important for the supporter to say his word about (wanting) them to stay, wanting them to stay here. It’s very good for them.”
