Columbus Crew
Template:MLS team The Columbus Crew is a professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio that participates in Major League Soccer. The club was owned by Lamar Hunt, who also owned the Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas until his 2006 death, upon which his son, Clark, took over his sports properties. The Crew currently play their home games at Columbus Crew Stadium, the first MLS soccer-specific stadium. From 1996–1999, the Crew played their home games at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University. The name "The Crew" is the result of a local fan contest and refers to Columbus' blue collar community. The team colors are black and gold.
The Crew has won one tournament to date, the 2002 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating the 2002 MLS Cup and Supporter's Shield winner Los Angeles Galaxy 1–0. The club has reached one other final, the 1998 Open Cup, which was postponed due to a hurricane and controversially relocated from Virginia Beach to Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Fire, who won the match in overtime 2–1.
During the 2005 season the Crew experienced their second worst average attendance since 1996 due to a poor season record.
The team has three major supporters' groups: Legion 04, the V-Army, and Fort Knox.
Television and radio
Crew matches are telecast on Ohio News Network, after some years on FSN Ohio. Radio broadcasts appear on "The Brew" WBWR-FM and in Spanish on Radio Sol WXOL.
Dwight Burgess provides play-by-play with Dr. Jay Martin and Andy Krahling doing color commentary.
Team honors
Current roster
As of January 17, 2007 Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notable former players
- Edson Buddle (2001–2005)
- Jon Busch (2002—)
- Jeff Cunningham (1998–2004)
- Thomas Dooley (1997–1999)
- Ansil Elcock (1997–2001)
- Robin Fraser (2004–2005)
- Brad Friedel (1996–1997)
- John Harkes (2001–2002)
- Frankie Hejduk (2003—)
- Stern John (1998–1999)
- Doctor Khumalo (1996–1997)
- Brian Maisonneuve (1996–2004)
- Kyle Martino (2002–2006)
- Brian McBride (1996–2003)
- John Wilmar Perez (2000–2002)
- Robert Warzycha (1996–2002)
Head coaches
- Timo Liekoski (1996)
- Tom Fitzgerald (1996–2001)
- Greg Andrulis (2001–2005)
- Robert Warzycha (2005; interim)
- Sigi Schmid (2006—)
Team records
- Games: Mike Clark, 221
- Goals: Brian McBride and Jeff Cunningham, 62
- Assists: Robert Warzycha, 61
- Clean Sheets: Jon Busch, 25
MLS regular season only, through 2006 season
Stadiums
- Ohio Stadium (1996–1999)
- Columbus Crew Stadium (1999–current)
Year-by-year
Year | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
---|---|---|---|
1996 | 4th, East | Quarterfinals | Did not enter |
1997 | 3rd, East | Semifinals | Did not enter |
1998 | 2nd, East | Semifinals | Final |
1999 | 2nd, East | Semifinals | Semifinals |
2000 | 4th, Central | Did not qualify | Quarterfinals |
2001 | 2nd, Central | Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals |
2002 | 2nd, East | Semifinals | Champions |
2003 | 5th, East | Did not qualify | Round of 16 |
2004 | 1st, East* | Quarterfinals | Round of 16 |
2005 | 6th, East | Did not qualify | Round of 16 |
2006 | 6th, East | Did not qualify | Round of 16 |
* Won MLS Supporters Shield
International competition
- 2003 CONCACAF Champions' Cup
- First round v. Arabe Unido -- 1:2, 3:0 (Crew advance 4:2 on aggregate)
- Quarterfinal v. Monarcas Morelia -- 0:6, 2:0 (Morelia advance 6:2 on aggregate)
Average attendance
regular season/playoffs
- 1996: 18,950
- 1997: 15,043
- 1998: 12,275
- 1999: 17,696
- 2000: 15,451
- 2001: 17,551
- 2002: 17,429
- 2003: 16,250/Missed Playoffs
- 2004: 16,872/15,224
- 2005: 12,916/Missed Playoffs
- 2006: 13,294/Missed Playoffs
- All-Time: 16,344
Famous supporters
- Bowling For Soup - Pop Punk Band