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Columbus Crew 2 take on Chicago Fire 2 on the road in the Windy City. The Black and Gold had a heart-breaking loss last Saturday to Inter Miami II and look to rebound in Chicago against a Fire team that is just as hungry.
On Thursday, Coach Laurent Courtois was asked about his takeaways from the opener, and how he plans to get ready for Chicago. “We came a little shy and in our heads in the beginning” said Courtois. When asked what about things he can take away from Saturday to improve upon, Courtois stated that he wants to repeat on went right. “Can we repeat on what went right? Can we recover and can we defend high again?” Laurent then went on to state, “One of the things we can improve on is being more dangerous when attacking and adding more numbers in the box.”
Despite the loss, Courtois stated that the mood in the locker room this week has been described as exciting and frustrating. Frustrating because of the loss, but exciting at the same time because of all the creative playing.
The Black & Gold can take positives away from not only the game, but the ability to train with the senior team as well during the week.
Defender Phillip Quinton, who was drafted by Caleb Porter, started his professional career in preseason with the first team, then was sent down to Crew 2.
A learning experience for the young defender being under Porter and Courtois, Quinton gave his thoughts saying, “it’s been great and exciting and a learning experience. One of his biggest takeaways from the first team center-back group was their professionalism off the field and how they carry themselves, and on the field their leadership,” Quinton continued.
Coach Laurant will be looking to lean on captain Marco Micaletto and company to execute all the improvements and changes from this week and bring home the clubs first win.
You can catch Crew 2 take on Chicago Fire 2 this Sunday at 7pm on the MLS Next Pro’s website