When the starting lineup was unveiled for the Columbus Crew season opener against D.C. United one name was conspicuously absent.
That name was Robbie Rogers.
Young midfielder Dilly Duka was given the start in place of Rogers and the development left Rogers visibly frustrated. It didn't stop him from stepping up and converting a penalty kick, but it did compel him to re-post a message by a fan on twitter on Saturday night that said the following:
"Anyone else starting the countdown until @robbierogers is no longer a part of #Crew96? Will be a sad day, but seems inevitable"
That Rogers was compelled to relay that tweet speaks volumes of his mindset, and he has followed that up by choosing not to speak to media in Columbus. Crew head coach Robert Warzycha has tried to downplay the situation, stating only that Duka had beaten out Rogers for the starting role in week one.
Now, sources are telling SBI that the Crew is preparing to trade Rogers. There are no details as yet, but sources have told SBI that the disgruntled winger will be moved soon.
If Rogers is dealt, he'll be the latest veteran dispatched from the Crew in recent months. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Brian Carroll, Frankie Hejduk, Steven Lenhart and Gino Padula were all unloaded by Columbus this winter.
Where might Rogers wind up? No suitors have been identified yet, but there are plenty of teams that could use a left winger who less than a year ago was in the U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp.
What do you think of Rogers' situation? Where would you like to see him wind up? Starting to worry about the Crew, or are just even more worried now?
Share your thoughts below.
