Columbus Crew
vs
P.R. Islanders
Date / Time: Competition: Live / Repeat: Live Stream
August 18, 2009 - 8:00pm CONCACAF Champions League Live
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COLUMBUS -- Hoisting the MLS Cup and visiting the White House were two of the perks the Columbus Crew enjoyed for their renaissance season last year when they went from a non-qualifier in the playoffs the previous three seasons to being the best team in the league.
Another reward will unfold Tuesday when Columbus begins Group C play in the CONCACAF Champions League by hosting the Puerto Rico Islanders of the United Soccer Leagues First Division.
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"It's a huge responsibility for us," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. "It's an honor to play. That means we did something good last year. It's also a chance for everybody to see international competition and to win something else. It's a big tournament."
As such, Warzycha will field a much stronger lineup than the one that lost in U.S. Open Cup play June 30 at Rochester, also of the USL-1. Because the Crew were in the midst of a heavy MLS schedule when they played the Rhinos and the match was on artificial turf, he held out several top players, including forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Schelotto ended up missing four consecutive league matches with a hamstring injury and only returned Saturday in stoppage time against FC Dallas in Crew Stadium as the Crew won their fifth game in a row without his contribution.
With a favorable schedule -- the Crew are idle this weekend in the league -- Warzycha can afford to play his best players against Puerto Rico, including Schelotto.
"We won five games without him. The players responded very well," said Warzycha. "Obviously he's a big part of the team. I'm certain we will see him on the field. Whether he is going to start the Champions League game -- I'm leaning towards it to be honest with you. We'll have to see."
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