Crew suffer big loss in win over Quakes
Carroll likely to require surgery after shoulder injury on Wednesday
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Defensive midfielder Brian Carroll suffered a "significant" injury to a part of his right shoulder, according to team doctor Peter Edwards. Carroll will be evaluated on Thursday and surgery is likely that could sideline him for months.
Coach Robert Warzycha saw Carroll in the training room afterward.
"He asked did we win the game? I said 'No, we lost' because we lost him," Warzycha said. "That's a huge loss. I would take a loss and have him play the next game."
Carroll was acquired from D.C. United before the 2008 season was credited with helping transform from the Crew from a non-contender to MLS champions. His loss is immeasurable.
Many considered him the most valuable player on the team last season despite the presence of league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Carroll was at least the unsung hero with his strong organization of the defense and coordination between the backline and the midfielders.
He played all but eight minutes last season and had been on the field every second this season until he and San Jose midfielder Simon Elliott met in the right corner of the Crew defensive end in the 69th minute.
There was a battle for the ball and Crew defender Jed Zayner came away with it while Elliott and Carroll went to the ground. Elliot had his arm around Carroll's face and landed on top of him.
Several Crew players questioned Elliott's intent but the former Crew midfielder said no harm was intended.
"There were three of us," Elliott said. "He kind of got sandwiched in-between the two and we fell awkwardly. Hopefully, he's all right. There certainly wasn't anything malicious by anyone. I certainly didn't mean to do anything like that. I just hit him when he hit the ground. I wish him all the best."
The injury adds to the Crew's woes. Starting goalkeeper William Hesmer (back) missed his fifth consecutive match and captain and U.S. defender Frankie Hejduk was scratched because of a groin injury. Neither will play Saturday at Seattle.
Basically, the gut of the Crew's defense is in shreds.
"To not have our captain on the field is a loss but to not have BC, he's one of the guys who's quiet but at the same time has a presence on the field," goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum said. "He demands responsibilities from everybody. He's our holding player who connects, He does everything, It's a big loss."
Added Warzycha: "(Carroll) is a big piece of the puzzle. That's a huge loss for us. We have some players who have to step up and play the role he did."
Kevin Burns, who missed all of last season because of injury, made his MLS debut by replacing Carroll.
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"He played pretty well. His positioning was good. For the first game he did well," Warzycha said.
Carroll's injury overshadowed the win to give the Crew a 2-0-4 mark over the past six games. Eddie Gaven scored in the 29th minute to offset Ryan Johnson's goal for San Jose and Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored 28 seconds into the second half. Emmanuel Ekpo had the assist even though he was pulled shortly afterwards because of illness.
"We were going to take him out at halftime," Warzycha said. "We told him do your best, score two goals and we'll take you out."
"I guess an assist was enough," Ekpo said.
The Crew were able to hold on in the physical match.
"Soccer is a funny game. You play not your best and get three points. We've played better games and got one point," Warzycha said. "In the second half it was a challenge for us. It seemed like the team was holding on and they didn't have too many chances."
Still, the mood was considerably darker because of Carroll's injury.
"It's a huge setback," Gruenebaum said, "but we've got guys who will have to step up now."
Craig Merz is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
