#SaveTheCrew
by: Kevin Amerlan on November 6, 2017
As the MLS season comes to a close, there is one team that is continually shocking to me. That team would be, dare I say it, the Columbus Crew. As a Chicagoan, I really would never give any praise to that yellow team from Ohio, but right now circumstances are a bit different. I know that not many are well versed in MLS news, so let me give you a quick briefing of the situation in Columbus. The Crew, one of MLS’s original teams since the league first started just over 20 years ago, has been one of the league’s gems. Having won the MLS cup in 2008 and boasting one of the league’s best supporter groups, they are well respected in American soccer. But, they are in turmoil right now as owner Anthony Precourt is strongly considering relocating the team to Austin, Texas.
There have been several reasons thrown around regarding the big move, but when you look at the history and passion of the city, it doesn’t make much sense. The motivation behind the move seems to mostly be a financial one and would likely risk alienating a large and loyal fanbase. A fanbase that may not follow them to Texas, a state currently home to two MLS teams.
Despite all the news surrounding the team, they have been resilient on the field and are not giving up. After beating a powerful Atlanta side, Columbus moved on to the conference semi-finals where they faced off against NYCFC. After watching David Villa net goals all season long with ease, the Crew knew what they were up against and that it would be an uphill battle. Playing the first leg at home, they shocked the league, crippling NYCFC with a decisive 4–1 defeat.
Yesterday, in their second leg, they had to play at the absolutely atrocious Yankee stadium. Great for baseball, not great for soccer. And it showed. NYCFC’s strength in their home stadium showed as well, toppling the Crew 2–0. Despite being shut out on the road, the Crew won the series (4–3) on goal aggregate. Yes, really, the Crew.
Now having advanced twice already against all odds, the Crew are set to take on the league favorite, Toronto FC. Already having won the Supporter Shield and looking near impossible to defeat all season, this will be where Columbus’s true colors will show. They’ve already shocked the league with these two advances and could be poised to take down Toronto if they can keep their focus. If The Crew can move past Toronto FC and reach the 2017 MLS Cup, Columbus will reach and host the championship fixture for the second time in three years.
Although my support for the Fire means I pledge to despise all that is The Crew, I can’t help but root for them and their fans. In a time of an uncertain future, let’s hope The Crew can stick it to their owner and take the lifelong supporters on what could be one last ride to the championship in the city of Columbus. So to that I say #SaveTheCrew
Cheers!
