Let’s Run it back
2020 Record: 12-6-5 (3rd in Eastern Conf., 4th Overall)
Head Coach: Caleb Porter (3rd year as Head Coach)
Key Additions: Bradley Wright-Phillips (LAFC), Kevin Molino (Minnesota United)
Key Departures: Hector Jimenez (Austin FC), Younness Mokhtar (Den Haag)
Last year was phenomenal for the Crew as they finished the season as MLS Cup champions for the first time since 2008. The MLS Cup holders finished a strong 3rd in the Eastern Conference and won three tough games in the playoffs. They then finished the season strong with a 3-0 win against the previous holders Seattle Sounders in the Final. After the tough journey the Crew had over the last few seasons, it is cathartic to see the Black and Gold of Ohio succeed.
Columbus also has the added boost of a new 20,000 stadium for the fans to fill from July onwards (COVID-permitting of course). The fanbase will be glad that the ownership is prioritising the facilities for them and the team. This will show them that there is intent to make Columbus a persistent contender for the MLS Cup.
The Crew has already started the season off strong with a 4-0 win against Real Estelí in the CONCACAF Champions League. It will be important to follow up this with a strong second leg result from a comfortable position. This will ensure they are in the best possible shape to put out a strong performance against the Philadelphia Union.
Kevin Molino is a very strong addition to the frontline which already boasts Pedro Santos, Gyasi Zardes and Luca Zelayarán. Molino comes in after a decent season with Minnesota United with 8 goals and 2 assists in 16 games. Considering the rocky road the whole league went through in 2020, that return justifies the claim that he is one of the best wingers in the league at the moment.
This year is looking bright overall, for Porter and his boys in Black and Gold, a strong start in continental competition, a healthy balance of youth and experience in their ranks and strong foundations throughout the organization to build on their success last year. In a conference that is weakened from last year, the only way is up for Columbus Crew.
