Who are they?
Columbus Crew SC. Or the Black and Gold as they are sometimes known. The Crew were one of the original ten MLS teams, and the first team to play in a soccer specific stadium. The MAPFRE stadium, as it’s now known, holds 20,145 and served as the model which other clubs have sought to recreate.
Map-Fire...Map-Fir...?
It’s pronounced Mah-FRAY.
What’s with the Men At Work logo?
The club’s old crest was supposed to represent the City’s blue collar image. New owner Anthony Precourt launched a rebrand in 2014 to the new look you see today. If it reminds you of a German team logo that’s intentional, it’s a nod to the city’s German heritage.
What have they won?
The Crew have a decent number of trophies in their cabinet, having won all three major domestic trophies - the MLS Cup in 2008, Supporters Shield in 2004, 2008 and 2009 and the US Open Cup in 2002.
What about the Disney Pro Soccer Classic.
Make that all four major domestic trophies. The Crew won the Classic in it’s final year last year, including a 4-4 draw against Orlando.
Last year...
The Crew were reasonably successful in 2014, as they brought in new coach Gregg Berhalter who performed a major overhaul on the team. While the team struggled initially to adapt to the new style, they won 10 of their last 15 - easily securing a playoff spot.
Are they any good?
The Crew now play a 4-2-3-1 system, with advanced full backs and an emphasis on possession. Sound familiar? It may have taken them a year to adapt to this method of play, but they will be hoping they can perfect it this year. Bringing in Kei Kamara up front in the offseason was a massive addition, offering them the physicality up front they were missing. Still, despite good performances in their first few games, they’ve only managed to notch up a single win.
Players to Watch?
Federico HiguaÃn is the main man here, everything flows through the Argentinian playmaker. Amobi Okugo is likely to be the man tasked with keeping HiguaÃn quiet -- much as he did with Darlington Nagbe in Portland last week. Other than HiguaÃn, Kai Kamara is the obvious threat. Brought in from Middslborough in the English Championship, the veteran striker already has three goals to his name this campaign.
Who’s the boss?
Gregg Berhalter is the Head Coach and Sporting Director. Interestingly, the former LA Galaxy player was the first American to ever coach in Europe.
You just looked that up in Wikipedia didn’t you?
No Comment.
What about their supporters?
The supporters inhabit the Nordecke (German for Northern Corner) and have a similar arrangement to Orlando; several groups coming together under one banner. Last year, the club averaged 16,881, an increase on the previous season and the numbers look to be rising.
Who are their rivals?
Their biggest rival is the Chicago Fire, geographically the closest team to them. Probably the most fiercely contested game was the Eastern Conference final in 2008, with the Crew coming from behind to eliminate Chicago and edge into the MLS Cup Final.
