As the hours ticked down to the final moments of the century, the Columbus Crew was busy reshaping a team that saw its quest for the MLS Cup end in the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season. A year ago at this time, the Crew had acquired defender Mario Gori off waivers, traded disgruntled midfielder Andy Williams to Miami, was about to deal even more disgruntled defender Thomas Dooley and was in pursuit of Slovakian midfielder Vladislav Zvara. There has been no such overhaul as 2001 begins, even though Columbus failed to make the playoffs for the first time in team history. The only move to date was putting a couple of inconsequential players on waivers.
Business is about to pick up.
General manager Jim Smith made it clear the team will not stand pat after a late-season collapse. The character and chemistry of the team came into question after a five-game tailspin that left Columbus one of four teams on the outside of the postseason party. The question remains whether the Crew can correct all of its problems. The defense is slow and aging. The midfield doesn't have a true playmaker.