When central midfielder Adam Moffat went down with a hamstring injury two matches ago, Columbus Crew coach Robert Warzycha didn’t have to look far for a replacement. Eddie Gaven, who typically plays on the right wing, impressed Warzycha last season when he played in the middle in a U.S. Open Cup match. Warzycha has played Gaven centrally in the Crew’s last two games against Toronto and Kansas City.
Working with Robbie Rogers on the left wing and Emmanuel Ekpo in his former position, Gaven helped the Crew to a tie on the road and their first win of the season last Saturday, 3-2 against the Wizards. Ekpo had a goal in each and Gaven scored the winner against Kansas City off an assist by Rogers.
“It’s jelling. He’s had good games against Toronto and the last one,” Warzycha said of Gaven. “His endurance is unbelievable. He can run forever. He’s always active. He’s got a good first touch and he just works, works, works. That’s what you need.”