The Crew have no height in the expected back line and opposing teams will looks to expose Columbus through the air. Gonzalez is 6-foot-3, but is the only defender over six feet tall. Wil Trapp is expected to be at the defensive midfield spot and comes in at 5-foot-8. Set pieces are going to be hard to defend for Columbus.
As opposing teams begin to exploit their height differential, Parkhurst will be forced out to right back. He is expected to start at central defender with Gonzalez. While moving him to right back would aid the USMNT, it is not the ideal move for Berhalter. Parkurst is considered one of the smartest players on the field so the composure he brings has less value on the edge. Moving Parkhurst would slot Josh Williams and his 6-foot-2 frame in the middle to help with set piece defense.
If Parkhurst is called into Brazil for depth purposes, he would be considered an option at right back, so he could transition back to the Crew on the edge.
The trend for Dominic Oduro is to do well in odd numbered years as illustrated by his 13 goals last season. However, his link-up with Federico Higuan is a good relationship and moving to the wing last year was something that helped Oduro find space. Oduro should shake his trend of using his athleticism and ability to get into tight spaces. He will be called upon week after week giving him plenty of opportunities to excel.
If there is one major area of weakness for the Crew, it is in central midfield, especially a player to get forward to start the attack. Right now, Agustin Viana and Ethan Findley figure to take the bulk of time in this role, but it is unsure how they will link the team from defense to offense. Other areas of the team could gel as time wears on under Berhalter. The central midfield will be an area of concern and Precourt may try to bring in someone to fill the gap in the summer.
This may seem obvious with a new coach trying to build a new mentality. However, it comes down to adoption of tactics and how the players work in the selected formation. Berhalter is inheriting players and must make them fit into a style he sees as potentially successful. In the preseason, the Crew have aimed at a 4-2-3-1 formation, but it has operated completely different. Berhalter has also experimented with a 3-5-2 because of his faith in Gonzalez and Parkhurst. Implementing that strategy seems to be something for the future.
There are just too many changes coming into this season and understanding Berhalter's system will take some time. This will be a better team by the end of the season.
