There’s always some uncertainty when a team comes off a three-week break from league play, as the Columbus Crew did on Saturday evening.

Will the passing and finishing be crisp? Will the defense be tight? Can Andy Gruenebaum continue his outstanding play in goal?

Following the Crew's 0-0 tie against New England in Gillette Stadium the answers were no, sometimes and absolutely, in that order.

Gruenebaum, who had 14 saves in the previous two road matches, made another six to help the Crew (5-4-4) improve to 3-0-3 in the past six games.