2018 Columbus Crew SC season

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Columbus Crew SC
2018 season
OwnerPrecourt Sports Ventures LLC
Head coachGregg Berhalter
Major League SoccerConference: 5th
Overall: 10th
MLS Cup PlayoffsConference semifinals
(knocked out by New York Red Bulls)
U.S. Open CupFourth round
(knocked out by Chicago Fire)
Top goalscorerLeague: Gyasi Zardes (19)
All: Gyasi Zardes (20)
Highest home attendance19,121
(September 22 vs. Colorado)
Lowest home attendance4,992
(June 6 vs. Chicago, USOC)
Average home league attendance12,447
← 2017
2019 →

The 2018 Columbus Crew SC season was the club's twenty-third season of existence, and their twenty-third consecutive season in Major League Soccer, the top flight of American soccer. Columbus also competed in the U.S. Open Cup, and took part in the Pacific Rim Cup and Carolina Challenge Cup during preseason. The season covered the period from November 30, 2017, to the start of the 2019 Major League Soccer season.

Columbus finished in third place in the inaugural Pacific Rim Cup during preseason. Facing a pair of Japanese opponents, Crew SC were defeated by Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo in the semifinals, but bounced back with a victory over Iwaki FC in the consolation game. Columbus then took part in the Carolina Challenge Cup, winning that title for the second consecutive season. Crew SC won all three matches in the tournament, claiming the CCC championship for the third time in club history.

Columbus additionally won each of their midseason rivalry matches, defeating Toronto FC across two games for the Trillium Cup and dispatching FC Dallas on tiebreakers to defend the Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup. Against Toronto, Columbus was trailing in the aggregate series by a 3–2 line inside of the final 30 minutes of the season series; the Crew put in three late goals to tie the match and win the cup. The match against Dallas ended in a scoreless draw, with Columbus retaining the cup based on the head-to-head goals tiebreaker. Crew SC won the Pioneer Cup for the seventh time that it had been contested.

Columbus qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive season, again finishing in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Just as in 2017, Crew SC was victorious in a penalty shootout on the road in the knockout round, this time advancing past D.C. United with goalkeeper Zack Steffen making two saves. However, Columbus was eliminated in the conference semifinals by New York Red Bulls after suffering a 3–0 defeat in the second leg. In the U.S. Open Cup, Crew SC were eliminated in the fourth round by Chicago Fire, with the tie coming down to a penalty shootout. Crew SC goalkeeper Logan Ketterer had his shot saved in the eleventh round of kicks.

Background[edit]

The original logo of the Save the Crew movement

Overshadowing the season for Columbus was a threat by owner Anthony Precourt to move the team to Austin, Texas; Precourt had announced the proposed move in October 2017, five days before the team's final regular season game.[1] The #SavetheCrew movement had been created in the aftermath of this proposed move.

Two days after the 2018 regular season began, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the City of Columbus filed a lawsuit against Precourt, citing a 1996 state law that prevents sports teams that benefited from public facilities or financial assistance from relocating to another city without a six-month notice and attempting to sell the team to a local ownership group.[2] The lawsuit worked its way through the courts throughout the 2018 season.

On October 12, 2018, with two games remaining in the regular season, the owner of the Cleveland Browns (Jimmy Haslam) released a statement stating he, along with other local groups, was in the process of buying the Crew.[3] MLS later released a statement stating their willingness to keep the Crew in Columbus, and that Precourt would get the rights to start a team in Austin if the deal went through.[4]

Roster[edit]

As of match played November 11, 2018[5]
No. Name Nationality Position(s) Date of birth (age) Signed in Previous club Apps Goals
Goalkeepers
12 Ben Lundgaard United States GK (1995-09-02)September 2, 1995 (aged 23) 2018 United States Virginia Tech Hokies 0 0
23 Zack Steffen United States GK (1995-04-02)April 2, 1995 (aged 23) 2016 Germany SC Freiburg 71 0
24 Jon Kempin United States GK (1993-04-08)April 8, 1993 (aged 25) 2018 United States LA Galaxy 5 0
30 Logan Ketterer United States GK (1993-11-09)November 9, 1993 (aged 25) 2017 United States Bradley Braves 1 0
Defenders
3 Josh Williams United States CB (1988-04-18)April 18, 1988 (aged 30) 2017 Canada Toronto FC 126 7
4 Jonathan Mensah Ghana CB (1990-07-13)July 13, 1990 (aged 28) 2017 Russia Anzhi Makhachkala 61 3
17 Lalas Abubakar Ghana CB (1994-12-25)December 25, 1994 (aged 23) 2017 United States Dayton Flyers 35 2
19 Milton Valenzuela Argentina LB, RB (1998-08-13)August 13, 1998 (aged 20) 2018 Argentina Newell's Old Boys (loan) 34 1
21 Alex Crognale United States CB (1994-08-27)August 27, 1994 (aged 24) 2017 United States Maryland Terrapins 24 1
22 Gastón Sauro Argentina CB (1990-02-23)February 23, 1990 (aged 28) 2015 Switzerland Basel 31 0
25 Harrison Afful Ghana RB, DM (1986-07-24)July 24, 1986 (aged 32) 2015 Tunisia ES Tunis 108 6
31 Connor Maloney United States RB (1995-05-18)May 18, 1995 (aged 23) 2017 United States Penn State Nittany Lions 4 0
Midfielders
2 Ricardo Clark United States DM (1983-02-10)February 10, 1983 (aged 35) 2018 United States Houston Dynamo 13 1
6 Wil Trapp United States DM (1993-01-15)January 15, 1993 (aged 25) 2013 United States Akron Zips 177 2
7 Pedro Santos Portugal RM, LM (1988-04-22)April 22, 1988 (aged 30) 2017 Portugal Braga 47 1
8 Artur Brazil DM (1996-03-11)March 11, 1996 (aged 22) 2018 Brazil São Paulo 63 1
9 Justin Meram Iraq LM, RM (1988-12-04)December 4, 1988 (aged 29) 2018 United States Orlando City SC 225 43
10 Federico Higuaín Argentina AM (1984-10-25)October 25, 1984 (aged 34) 2012 Argentina Colón 196 58
13 Mike Grella United States LM, RM (1987-01-23)January 23, 1987 (aged 31) 2018 United States New York Red Bulls 12 1
16 Hector Jiménez United States AM, LM, LB, RB (1988-11-03)November 3, 1988 (aged 30) 2014 United States LA Galaxy 116 1
18 Cristian Martínez Panama LM, RM (1997-02-06)February 6, 1997 (aged 21) 2017 Panama Chorrillo 31 3
20 Eduardo Sosa Venezuela AM (1996-06-20)June 20, 1996 (aged 22) 2018 Venezuela Zamora 11 1
26 Luis Argudo United States LM, RM, AM, DM (1995-12-13)December 13, 1995 (aged 22) 2018 United States Wake Forest Demon Deacons 21 0
28 Niko Hansen Denmark LM, RM (1994-09-14)September 14, 1994 (aged 24) 2017 United States New Mexico Lobos 40 4
Forwards
11 Gyasi Zardes United States ST (1991-09-02)September 2, 1991 (aged 27) 2018 United States LA Galaxy 36 20
14 Adam Jahn United States ST (1991-01-05)January 5, 1991 (aged 27) 2016 United States San Jose Earthquakes 46 7
27 Edward Opoku Ghana FW, RM, LM (1996-08-01)August 1, 1996 (aged 22) 2018 United States Virginia Cavaliers 6 0
32 Patrick Mullins United States ST (1992-02-05)February 5, 1992 (aged 26) 2018 United States D.C. United 13 1

Non-competitive[edit]

Preseason[edit]

On October 5, 2017, Crew SC were announced as a participant in the 2018 Carolina Challenge Cup, the fifth time that the club was to participate in the tournament. Columbus entered the event as defending champions.[6] On November 13, 2017, the club announced that they would also take part in the inaugural Pacific Rim Cup during preseason. Crew SC were joined by Vancouver Whitecaps FC from MLS, as well as Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Iwaki FC from Japan.[7] Columbus was drawn against Consadole Sapporo, with the winner advancing to the championship match and the loser going to the third place match.

January 31 Friendly Columbus Crew SC 2–1 Colorado Rapids Casa Grande, AZ
Zardes 2'
Argudo 58'		 Report Ford Yellow card 20', 35'
Serna Yellow card 82'		 Stadium: Grande Sports Academy
February 4 Friendly Columbus Crew SC 2–1 Seattle Sounders FC Tucson, AZ
Biros 5'
Jahn 78'		 Report Rodríguez 28'
Saari Yellow card 81'		 Stadium: Mulcahy Soccer Stadium
February 9 Pacific Rim Cup Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Japan 3–2 Columbus Crew SC Halawa, HI
1:00 AM EST Reis 25'
Hayasaka 45'
Miyoshi 48'		 Report Zardes 13', 39' (pen.) Stadium: Aloha Stadium
Referee: Robert Sibiga
February 10 Pacific Rim Cup Iwaki FC Japan 3–5 Columbus Crew SC Halawa, HI
9:00 PM EST Hisanaga 34'
Hiraoka 66'
Yoshida 77'		 Report Zardes 33'
Higuaín 48' (pen.)
Abubakar 52'
Crognale Yellow card 71'
Opoku 73'
Argudo 90'		 Stadium: Aloha Stadium
Referee: Allen Chapman
February 17 Carolina Challenge Cup Atlanta United FC 1–3 Columbus Crew SC Charleston, SC
5:00 PM EST González Pírez Yellow card 54'
J. Martínez 90'		 Report Pedro Santos 13'
Abubakar Yellow card 31'
Martínez 33'
J. Martínez 71' (o.g.)		 Stadium: MUSC Health Stadium
February 21 Carolina Challenge Cup Charleston Battery 1–2 Columbus Crew SC Charleston, SC
5:00 PM EST Svantesson 32' Report Zardes 56', 82' Stadium: MUSC Health Stadium
Referee: José Carlos Rivero
February 24 Carolina Challenge Cup Columbus Crew SC 2–0 Minnesota United FC Charleston, SC
5:00 PM EST Higuaín 32'
Zardes 37'
Jonathan Yellow card 59'		 Report Boxall Yellow card 65' Stadium: MUSC Health Stadium

Midseason[edit]

July 3 Friendly Columbus Crew SC 2–0 Costa Rica Saprissa Columbus, OH
7:00 PM EDT Zardes 28'
Williams 34'		 Report Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 7,023
Referee: Brandon Artis
Note: Match was played with 30-minute halves.[8]

Competitive[edit]

MLS[edit]

Main article: 2018 Major League Soccer season

Standings[edit]

Eastern Conference[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
3 New York City FC 34 16 10 8 59 45 +14 56 Knockout round
4 D.C. United 34 14 11 9 60 50 +10 51
5 Columbus Crew 34 14 11 9 43 45 −2 51
6 Philadelphia Union 34 15 14 5 49 50 −1 50
7 Montreal Impact 34 14 16 4 47 53 −6 46
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goal differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.
Overall table[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification[a]
8 Portland Timbers 34 15 10 9 54 48 +6 54
9 D.C. United 34 14 11 9 60 50 +10 51
10 Columbus Crew 34 14 11 9 43 45 −2 51
11 Philadelphia Union 34 15 14 5 49 50 −1 50
12 Real Salt Lake 34 14 13 7 55 58 −3 49
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) disciplinary points; 6) away goals scored; 7) away goal differential; 8) coin toss or drawing of lots
Notes:
  1. ^
    CONCACAF Champions League
    Selection procedure
    • Four US-based teams qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. Due to a change in format to the tournament, two qualifiers came from each of the 2017 and 2018 MLS seasons.[9] This combined qualification method was used for the 2019 tournament only. For the 2018 season, the following teams qualified:
      1. The winner of MLS Cup 2018 (Atlanta United FC);
      2. The winner of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup (Houston Dynamo)
      Thus unlike previous seasons, the Supporters' Shield winner and the regular season conference champion that did not win the Supporters' Shield werw not guaranteed a berth. Each qualifier entered at the second phase of the tournament.
      One Canada-based team qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, also entering at the second phase (NOTE: Canadian teams could not qualify through MLS):
      1. The winner of the 2018 Canadian Championship (Toronto FC)
Aggregate table[edit]

As Toronto FC won MLS Cup 2017, one of the U.S. berths for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League had to be reallocated, to the U.S. non-champions with the best aggregate record over the 2017 and 2018 MLS regular seasons. As the top ranked team in the table, Atlanta United FC, also qualified for the Champions League by winning MLS Cup 2018, the Champions League spot via the aggregate table was instead awarded to the second-placed team, the New York Red Bulls.[10][11]

Note: Only U.S. teams are listed in this table.

Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
5 Sporting Kansas City 68 30 17 21 105 69 +36 111 2019 CONCACAF Champions League[a]
6 Portland Timbers 68 30 21 17 114 98 +16 107
7 Columbus Crew 68 30 23 15 96 94 +2 105
8 FC Dallas 68 27 19 22 100 92 +8 103
9 Real Salt Lake 68 27 28 13 104 113 −9 94
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) disciplinary points; 6) away goals scored; 7) away goal differential; 8) coin toss or drawing of lots
Notes:
  1. ^ As 2017 U.S. Open Cup champions (USA2)

Results summary[edit]

Overall Home Away
Pld Pts W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD
34 51 14 11 9 43 45  −2 11 2 4 32 21  +11 3 9 5 11 24  −13

Source: MLS standings
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

Results by round[edit]

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334
StadiumAHAHHAAHHAHHAAHHHAHAAHAHAAHAAHHAAH
ResultWWDWLLLDWDWWWDDDLLWLLWWWLDWDLWDLLW
Source: Columbus schedule
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Match results[edit]

On December 19, 2017, the league announced the home openers for every club.[12] Just like in 2016, Columbus opened the season on the road against the defending MLS Cup champions, playing at Toronto FC in the first match of the MLS season. Columbus then opened the season at home on March 10, facing Montreal Impact.

The schedule for the remainder of the 2018 season was released on January 4, 2018.[13] Crew SC played three times against Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union, twice against every other Eastern Conference club, and once against every Western Conference club.

March 3 1 Toronto FC 0–2 Columbus Crew SC Toronto, ON
1:00 PM EST Report Martínez Yellow card 24'
Higuaín 44'
Zardes 46'		 Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 26,633
Referee: Ismail Elfath
March 10 2 Columbus Crew SC 3–2 Montreal Impact Columbus, OH
1:00 PM EST Higuaín 12' (pen.)
Zardes 15', 90+4' (pen.)
Steffen Yellow card 51'		 Report Krolicki Yellow card 32'
Piatti 59'
Edwards 85'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,098
Referee: Chris Penso
March 17 3 Philadelphia Union 0–0 Columbus Crew SC Chester, PA
2:00 PM EDT Bedoya Yellow card 76'
Rosenberry Yellow card 89'		 Report Artur Yellow card 53'
Higuaín Yellow card 78'		 Stadium: Talen Energy Stadium
Attendance: 15,323
Referee: Nima Saghafi
March 24 4 Columbus Crew SC 3–1 D.C. United Columbus, OH
6:00 PM EDT Abubakar Yellow card 3'
Valenzuela 20', Yellow card 52'
Clark 40'
Pedro Santos 42'		 Report Asad 30' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 8,443
Referee: Drew Fischer
March 31 5 Columbus Crew SC 1–2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Columbus, OH
3:00 PM EDT Zardes 29'
Valenzuela Yellow card 76'		 Report de Jong Yellow card 10'
Shea 51'
Kamara 78'
Felipe Yellow card 82'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 8,992
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
April 7 6 Chicago Fire 1–0 Columbus Crew SC Bridgeview, IL
8:30 PM EDT Kappelhof Yellow card 6'
Nikolić 27', Yellow card 90+4'
Sánchez Yellow card 90'		 Report Artur Yellow card 47' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 11,023
Referee: Jair Marrufo
April 14 7 D.C. United 1–0 Columbus Crew SC Annapolis, MD
7:00 PM EDT Segura 1'
Arriola Red card 51'
Clark Yellow card 84'		 Report Higuaín Yellow card 23'
Jonathan Yellow card 84'		 Stadium: Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 12,396
Referee: Ismail Elfath
April 21 8 Columbus Crew SC 2–2 New England Revolution Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Farrell 9' (o.g.)
Zardes 43'
Higuaín Yellow card 66'		 Report Dielna Yellow card 11'
Bunbury 14'
Zahibo Yellow card 36'
Penilla 45+1'
Fagúndez Yellow card 60'
Somi Yellow card 67'
Turner Yellow card 88'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,264
Referee: Chris Penso
April 28 9 Columbus Crew SC 2–1 San Jose Earthquakes Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Harrison 28'
Hansen Yellow card 36'
Valenzuela Yellow card 67'
Grella 84'		 Report Godoy Yellow card 3'
Hoesen 45', Yellow card 72'
Jungwirth Yellow card 66'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,479
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
May 5 10 Seattle Sounders FC 0–0 Columbus Crew SC Seattle, WA
4:00 PM EDT Alonso Yellow card 30' Report Pedro Santos Red card 15'
Trapp Yellow card 54'		 Stadium: CenturyLink Field
Attendance: 39,515
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
May 9 11 Columbus Crew SC 1–0 Philadelphia Union Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Jonathan Yellow card 27'
Zardes 53'		 Report Elliott Yellow card 77' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 7,683
Referee: Ramy Touchan
May 12 12 Columbus Crew SC 3–0 Chicago Fire Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Higuaín 28' (pen.)
Zardes 50', 70', Yellow card 57'		 Report Ellis Yellow card 27' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,108
Referee: Allen Chapman
May 19 13 New England Revolution 0–1 Columbus Crew SC Foxborough, MA
7:30 PM EDT Caicedo Yellow card 13'
Delamea Yellow card 31'
Dielna Yellow card 67'
Anibaba Yellow card 89'		 Report Valenzuela Yellow card 44'
Abubakar 85'		 Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 14,087
Referee: Sorin Stoica
May 27 14 Sporting Kansas City 0–0 Columbus Crew SC Kansas City, KS
6:00 PM EDT Besler Yellow card 90+4' Report Higuaín Red card 45+6'
Harrison Yellow card 49'		 Stadium: Children's Mercy Park
Attendance: 20,697
Referee: Robert Sibiga
June 2 15 Columbus Crew SC 3–3 Toronto FC Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Artur Yellow card 2'
Williams Yellow card 56'
Zardes 67'
Crognale 81'
Higuaín 90' (pen.)		 Report Osorio Yellow card 8'
Vázquez 17' (pen.)
Hernandez Yellow card 21'
Ricketts 38', Yellow card 90+3'
Giovinco 57'
Bono Yellow card 86'
Fraser Yellow card 90+2'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 12,305
Referee: Nima Saghafi
June 9 16 Columbus Crew SC 1–1 New York Red Bulls Columbus, OH
5:00 PM EDT Zardes 26' Report Muyl 57' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,246
Referee: Alan Kelly
June 13 17 Columbus Crew SC 0–2 Atlanta United FC Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Trapp Yellow card 81' Report Parkhurst Yellow card 8'
Ambrose Yellow card 27'
Martínez 30'
Escobar Yellow card 72'
Villalba 82'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 10,132
Referee: Ted Unkel
June 23 18 Los Angeles FC 2–0 Columbus Crew SC Los Angeles, CA
10:30 PM EDT Ciman 4'
Diomande 8'
Atuesta Yellow card 24'		 Report Abubakar Yellow card 34'
Pedro Santos Yellow card 61'
Higuaín Yellow card 69'
Valenzuela Yellow card 70'		 Stadium: Banc of California Stadium
Attendance: 22,000
Referee: Kevin Stott
June 30 19 Columbus Crew SC 2–1 Real Salt Lake Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Zardes 6' (pen.)
Sosa 23', Yellow card 66'		 Report Sunny Yellow card 45+2'
Beckerman Yellow card 56'
Rusnák 74'
Savarino Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 16,680
Referee: Drew Fischer
July 7 20 LA Galaxy 4–0 Columbus Crew SC Carson, CA
10:30 PM EDT Skjelvik Yellow card 22'
Kamara 42'
Ibrahimović 56' (pen.)
Pontius Yellow card 63'
Alessandrini 67', 90+3'		 Report Williams Yellow card 61' Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 21,211
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
July 14 21 New York City FC 2–0 Columbus Crew SC New York City, NY
7:00 PM EDT Medina 80'
Tinnerholm 90'		 Report Jonathan Yellow card 20'
Zardes Yellow card 36'
Grella Yellow card 82'
Sosa Red card 90+3'		 Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 21,085
Referee: Armando Villarreal
July 21 22 Columbus Crew SC 3–2 Orlando City SC Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Jonathan Yellow card 26'
Zardes 51', 88' (pen.)
Pedro Santos Yellow card 84'
Trapp 90+2'
Williams Yellow card 90+5'		 Report Kljestan 16', Yellow card 43'
Schuler Yellow card 26'
Pinho 58'
El-Munir Yellow card 87'
Yotún Yellow card 90+3'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 14,052
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
July 28 23 New York Red Bulls 2–3 Columbus Crew SC Harrison, NJ
7:00 PM EDT Collin Yellow card 21'
Jonathan 50' (o.g.)
Royer 69'		 Report Jonathan 7'
Mullins 24'
Davis 31' (o.g.)
Valenzuela Yellow card 56'
Steffen Yellow card 77'
Artur Yellow card 90'		 Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 16,459
Referee: Sorin Stoica
August 11 24 Columbus Crew SC 1–0 Houston Dynamo Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Zardes Yellow card 56', 90+1'
Pedro Santos Yellow card 90+7'		 Report Leonardo Yellow card 80'
Lundqvist Yellow card 86'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 15,891
Referee: Mark Geiger
August 19 25 Atlanta United FC 3–1 Columbus Crew SC Atlanta, GA
4:00 PM EDT Martínez 31'
McCann Yellow card 45+1'
Villalba 76', Yellow card 86'
Almirón 82', Yellow card 83'
Guzan Yellow card 88'		 Report Zardes 50'
Artur Yellow card 90+4'		 Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 45,303
Referee: Jair Marrufo
August 23 26 Chicago Fire 1–1 Columbus Crew SC Bridgeview, IL
7:00 PM EDT de Leeuw Yellow card 55'
Nikolić 67'
Katai Yellow card 69'
Schweinsteiger Yellow card 90+1'		 Report Higuaín Yellow card 65'
Hansen 87'		 Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 8,551
Referee: Armando Villarreal
September 1 27 Columbus Crew SC 2–1 New York City FC Columbus, OH
8:00 PM EDT Harrison 61'
Meram 63'		 Report Wallace Yellow card 45'
Tajouri-Shradi 53'
Sweat Yellow card 67'
Ibeagha Yellow card 75'
Ring Yellow card 90+3'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 11,991
Referee: Alan Kelly
September 15 28 FC Dallas 0–0 Columbus Crew SC Frisco, TX
8:00 PM EDT Report Clark Yellow card 53'
Abubakar Yellow card 67'		 Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 16,030
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
September 19 29 Portland Timbers 3–2 Columbus Crew SC Portland, OR
10:30 PM EDT Polo Yellow card 10', 37'
Guzmán 18', Yellow card 34'
Abubakar 48' (o.g.)		 Report Hansen 7', 90+3'
Sauro Yellow card 45+1'
Trapp Yellow card 49'
Maloney Yellow card 85'		 Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 21,144
Referee: Ted Unkel
September 22 30 Columbus Crew SC 2–1 Colorado Rapids Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Zardes 17'
Jonathan Yellow card 44'
Higuaín 57'		 Report Gashi 26'
Wynne Red card 51'
Acosta Yellow card 81'
Smith Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 19,121
Referee: Allen Chapman
September 29 31 Columbus Crew SC 0–0 Philadelphia Union Columbus, OH
7:30 PM EDT Report Fabinho Yellow card 85'
Bedoya Yellow card 88'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 12,441
Referee: Drew Fischer
October 6 32 Montreal Impact 3–0 Columbus Crew SC Montreal, QC
3:00 PM EDT Taïder 32' (pen.)
Silva 44'
Piatti 59'
Azira Yellow card 62'		 Report Pedro Santos Yellow card 45+2'
Jonathan Yellow card 90'		 Stadium: Stade Saputo
Attendance: 19,015
Referee: Alan Kelly
October 21 33 Orlando City SC 2–1 Columbus Crew SC Orlando, FL
3:00 PM EDT Dwyer Yellow card 37'
Yotún 57' (pen.)
Kljestan 90+6' (pen.)		 Report Jonathan Yellow card 33'
Higuaín 54'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,642
Referee: Kevin Stott
October 28 34 Columbus Crew SC 3–2 Minnesota United FC Columbus, OH
4:30 PM EDT Zardes 11', 49', 83' Report Calvo 68', 77' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 17,677
Referee: Robert Sibiga

Postseason[edit]

Main article: 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs
November 1 Knockout Round D.C. United 2–2 (a.e.t.)
(2–3 p)		 Columbus Crew SC Washington, D.C.
8:00 PM EDT Brillant 21'
DeLeon 116'		 Report Higuaín 30', 96', Yellow card 45'
Sosa Yellow card 105+1'		 Stadium: Audi Field
Attendance: 20,600
Referee: Allen Chapman
Penalties
Rooney soccer ball with red X
Asad soccer ball with check mark
Stieber soccer ball with check mark
Acosta soccer ball with red X
DeLeon soccer ball with red X		 soccer ball with check mark Higuaín
soccer ball with check mark Trapp
soccer ball with red X Zardes
soccer ball with check mark Hansen
soccer ball with red X Mullins
November 4 Semifinals leg 1 Columbus Crew SC 1–0 New York Red Bulls Columbus, OH
3:00 PM EST Valenzuela Yellow card 31'
Zardes 61'		 Report Davis Yellow card 88' Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 12,892
Referee: Nima Saghafi
November 11 Semifinals leg 2 New York Red Bulls 3–0
(3–1 agg.)		 Columbus Crew SC Harrison, NJ
7:30 PM EST Muyl 17'
Royer 73', 76'		 Report Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 22,789
Referee: Alan Kelly

U.S. Open Cup[edit]

Main article: 2018 U.S. Open Cup
June 6 Fourth round Columbus Crew SC 2–2 (a.e.t.)
(9–10 p)		 Chicago Fire Columbus, OH
7:00 PM EDT Martínez 10'
Sosa Yellow card 64'
Abu Yellow card 71'
Crognale Yellow card 107'
Jahn 114'		 Report Nikolić 45', 109'
Ramos Yellow card 81'
McCarty Yellow card 90+3'
Katai Yellow card 112'		 Stadium: Mapfre Stadium
Attendance: 4,992
Referee: Marcos de Oliveira
Penalties
Valenzuela soccer ball with check mark
Jiménez soccer ball with red X
Argudo soccer ball with check mark
Abubakar soccer ball with check mark
Jahn soccer ball with check mark
Martínez soccer ball with check mark
Crognale soccer ball with check mark
Sosa soccer ball with check mark
Abu soccer ball with check mark
Opoku soccer ball with check mark
Ketterer soccer ball with red X		 soccer ball with red X Nikolić
soccer ball with check mark Katai
soccer ball with check mark McCarty
soccer ball with check mark Campos
soccer ball with check mark Schweinsteiger
soccer ball with check mark Bronico
soccer ball with check mark Lillard
soccer ball with check mark Corrales
soccer ball with check mark Ramos
soccer ball with check mark Campbell
soccer ball with check mark Sánchez

Statistics[edit]

Appearances and goals[edit]

Federico Higuaín entered the season sitting fifth in club history for most goals, needing three to pass Edson Buddle for fourth all-time.[14] He tallied a penalty kick against Chicago on May 12, cracking the tie with Buddle.[15] Higuaín had also begun the year having appeared 163 times for Crew SC, needing seven appearances to crack the top ten in club history. He started each of the first ten games, leaping Frankie Hejduk for ninth place.[14] By the end of the season, Higuaín moved up the charts in all three categories: eighth all-time in appearances, with 196; third all-time in goals, with 58; and second all-time in assists, with 64.

Upon his return to the club midway through the season, Justin Meram had the chance to add to his previous totals with the club; he sat fifth in appearances, sixth in goals, and tied for seventh in assists. He needed to play 28 times, score ten goals, or tally six assists in order to move up the charts.[14] At the end of the year, Meram still sat fifth in appearances (with 225) and sixth in goals (with 43), but had taken sole possession of seventh in assists (with 36).

Wil Trapp began the season having appeared 144 times in all competitions for Crew SC, needing to play in 27 games to crack the all-time top ten. Although he missed several games while on international duty, Trapp appeared for the 27th time on the season in a draw with Philadelphia on September 29.[16] He initially jumped into the table in a tie for tenth place with Hejduk.[14] By the end of the season, Trapp had appeared in 177 games for the club, enough for sole possession of tenth.

No. Pos. Name MLS MLS Playoffs U.S. Open Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
2 MF United States Ricardo Clark 13 1 0 0 0 0 13 1
3 DF United States Josh Williams 21 0 1 0 0 0 22 0
4 DF Ghana Jonathan Mensah 27 1 3 0 0 0 30 1
6 MF United States Wil Trapp 30 1 3 0 0 0 33 1
7 MF Portugal Pedro Santos 30 1 3 0 0 0 33 1
8 MF Brazil Artur 32 0 3 0 0 0 35 0
9 MF Iraq Justin Meram 9 1 3 0 0 0 12 1
10 MF Argentina Federico Higuaín 30 6 3 2 0 0 33 8
11 FW United States Gyasi Zardes 33 19 3 1 0 0 36 20
12 GK United States Ben Lundgaard 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 MF United States Mike Grella 12 1 0 0 0 0 12 1
14 FW United States Adam Jahn 8 0 0 0 1 1 9 1
16 MF United States Hector Jiménez 11 0 1 0 1 0 13 0
17 DF Ghana Lalas Abubakar 23 1 1 0 1 0 25 1
18 MF Panama Cristian Martínez 14 0 1 0 1 1 16 1
19 DF Argentina Milton Valenzuela 30 1 3 0 1 0 34 1
20 MF Venezuela Eduardo Sosa 10 1 0 0 1 0 11 1
21 DF United States Alex Crognale 5 1 0 0 1 0 6 1
22 DF Argentina Gastón Sauro 7 0 2 0 1 0 10 0
23 GK United States Zack Steffen 29 0 3 0 0 0 32 0
24 GK United States Jon Kempin 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
25 DF Ghana Harrison Afful 32 2 3 0 0 0 35 2
26 MF United States Luis Argudo 18 0 2 0 1 0 21 0
27 FW Ghana Edward Opoku 5 0 0 0 1 0 6 0
28 MF Denmark Niko Hansen 22 3 1 0 1 0 24 3
30 GK United States Logan Ketterer 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
31 DF United States Connor Maloney 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
32 FW United States Patrick Mullins 10 1 3 0 0 0 13 1
Players who left the club during the season:
5 MF Ghana Mohammed Abu 4 0 0 0 1 0 5 0

Source: Columbus stats

Disciplinary record[edit]

No. Pos. Name MLS MLS Playoffs U.S. Open Cup Total
Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card
2 MF United States Ricardo Clark 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
3 DF United States Josh Williams 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
4 DF Ghana Jonathan Mensah 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
6 MF United States Wil Trapp 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
7 MF Portugal Pedro Santos 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 1
8 MF Brazil Artur 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
10 MF Argentina Federico Higuaín 5 1 1 0 0 0 6 1
11 FW United States Gyasi Zardes 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
13 MF United States Mike Grella 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
17 DF Ghana Lalas Abubakar 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
18 MF Panama Cristian Martínez 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
19 DF Argentina Milton Valenzuela 6 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
20 MF Venezuela Eduardo Sosa 1 1 1 0 1 0 3 1
21 DF United States Alex Crognale 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
22 DF Argentina Gastón Sauro 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
23 GK United States Zack Steffen 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
25 DF Ghana Harrison Afful 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
28 MF Denmark Niko Hansen 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
31 DF United States Connor Maloney 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Players who left the club during the season:
5 MF Ghana Mohammed Abu 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

Source: Columbus stats

Clean sheets[edit]

Zack Steffen entered the season with the seventh-most clean sheets in club history. He needed to keep two on the season in order to pass Brad Friedel for sixth all-time,[14] which he did just three games into the campaign. Three saves in a scoreless draw with Philadelphia on March 17 moved Steffen up on the all-time chart.[17] He promptly passed Mark Dougherty for fifth place, thanks to a 1–0 victory over the Union on May 9. Steffen finished the season with 22 career shutouts for Crew SC, good for fifth place in club history.

No. Name MLS MLS Playoffs U.S. Open Cup Total Games Played
12 United States Ben Lundgaard 0 0 0 0 0
23 United States Zack Steffen 10 1 0 11 32
24 United States Jon Kempin 0 0 0 0 5
30 United States Logan Ketterer 0 0 0 0 1

Source: Columbus stats

Transfers[edit]

See also: List of Major League Soccer transfers 2018

In[edit]

Pos. Player Transferred from Fee/notes Date Source
MF Brazil Artur Brazil São Paulo Completed permanent transfer. December 6, 2017 [18]
GK United States Jon Kempin United States LA Galaxy LA receives a Fourth Round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. December 13, 2017 [19]
MF United States Mike Grella United States Colorado Rapids Colorado receives a Second Round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. December 15, 2017 [20]
MF Venezuela Eduardo Sosa Venezuela Zamora Acquired as a Discovery Signing. January 9, 2018 [21]
FW Ghana Edward Opoku United States Virginia Cavaliers Selected in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. Signed as a Generation Adidas player. January 19, 2018 [22]
FW United States Gyasi Zardes United States LA Galaxy LA receives FW Ola Kamara. January 20, 2018 [23]
MF United States Ricardo Clark United States Houston Dynamo Signed as a free agent. February 2, 2018 [24]
MF United States Luis Argudo United States Wake Forest Demon Deacons Selected in the third round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. March 1, 2018 [25][26]
GK United States Ben Lundgaard United States Virginia Tech Hokies Selected in the first round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. March 1, 2018 [27][26]
FW United States Patrick Mullins United States D.C. United D.C. receives $150,000 in targeted allocation money. July 11, 2018 [28]
MF Iraq Justin Meram United States Orlando City SC Orlando receives $750,000 in targeted allocation money, a 2019 international roster slot. August 3, 2018 [29]

SuperDraft[edit]

See also: 2018 MLS SuperDraft

The following players were selected by Columbus in the MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign a contract with the club.

Pos. Player College Notes Date Source
MF United States Jake Rozhansky United States Maryland Terrapins Selected in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. Signed with Israel Maccabi Netanya on January 11, 2018. January 19, 2018 [30][31]

Loan in[edit]

Pos. Player Parent club Length/Notes Beginning End Source
DF Argentina Milton Valenzuela Argentina Newell's Old Boys Duration of the 2018 MLS season, with an option to purchase at the end of the season. Signed as a Young Designated Player. January 26, 2018 November 26, 2018 [32][33]

Out[edit]

Pos. Player Transferred to Fee/notes Date Source
MF United States Marshall Hollingsworth Option declined. Retired. December 1, 2017 [34][35]
FW The Gambia Kekuta Manneh Mexico Pachuca Contract expired. Signed for Pachuca on December 26, 2017. December 1, 2017 [34][36]
MF United States Abuchi Obinwa United States Inter Orlando Option declined. Signed for Inter for the 2018 Spring UPSL season. December 1, 2017 [34][37]
MF Guatemala Rodrigo Saravia United States Swope Park Rangers Option declined. Signed for Swope Park on January 8, 2018. December 1, 2017 [34][38]
MF United States Ben Swanson Option declined. December 1, 2017 [34]
DF Finland Jukka Raitala United States Los Angeles FC Selected by LAFC in the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft. December 12, 2017 [39]
GK United States Brad Stuver United States New York City FC Option declined. Traded to NYCFC in exchange for a Fourth Round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. December 14, 2017 [34][40]
DF Costa Rica Waylon Francis United States Seattle Sounders FC Option declined. Traded to Seattle in exchange for $50,000 in general allocation money. December 14, 2017 [34][41]
FW Norway Ola Kamara United States LA Galaxy Columbus receives FW Gyasi Zardes, $400,000 in targeted allocation money, future considerations. January 20, 2018 [23]
MF Iraq Justin Meram United States Orlando City SC Columbus receives $1,050,000 in allocation money, a 2019 international roster slot. January 29, 2018 [42]
MF Ghana Mohammed Abu Norway Vålerenga Columbus receives an undisclosed transfer fee. October 4, 2018 [43]

Loan out[edit]

Pos. Player Loanee club Length/Notes Beginning End Source
GK United States Ben Lundgaard United States Indy Eleven Duration of the 2018 USL season. March 7, 2018 October 21, 2018 [44][45]
DF United States Alex Crognale United States Orange County SC On a match-by-match basis. March 15, 2018 May 5, 2018 [46][47]
May 22, 2018 June 2, 2018 [48][49]
June 18, 2018 November 4, 2018 [50][51]
FW Ghana Edward Opoku United States Saint Louis FC On a match-by-match basis. April 27, 2018 May 18, 2018 [52][53]
DF United States Connor Maloney United States Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC On a match-by-match basis. May 25, 2018 June 30, 2018 [54][55]
FW United States Adam Jahn United States OKC Energy On a match-by-match basis. July 24, 2018 October 14, 2018 [56][57]
MF Ghana Mohammed Abu Norway Vålerenga Duration of the 2018 Eliteserien. August 10, 2018 October 4, 2018 [58][43]

Awards[edit]

MLS Team of the Week[edit]

Week Starters Bench Opponent(s) Link
1 Ghana Lalas Abubakar
Argentina Federico Higuaín
Argentina Milton Valenzuela 		Toronto FC [1]
2 United States Gyasi Zardes Montreal Impact [2]
4 United States Gregg Berhalter (coach)
Argentina Federico Higuaín
Panama Cristian Martínez
Argentina Milton Valenzuela 		Portugal Pedro Santos D.C. United [3]
9 United States Mike Grella San Jose Earthquakes [4]
10 Ghana Lalas Abubakar Argentina Milton Valenzuela Seattle Sounders FC [5]
11 United States Gregg Berhalter (coach)
United States Gyasi Zardes 		United States Zack Steffen Philadelphia Union
Chicago Fire 		[6]
12 Ghana Jonathan Mensah New England Revolution [7]
13 Brazil Artur
United States Josh Williams 		Sporting Kansas City [8]
14 Argentina Federico Higuaín Toronto FC [9]
15 Ghana Harrison Afful New York Red Bulls [10]
18 Venezuela Eduardo Sosa Real Salt Lake [11]
21 United States Wil Trapp Orlando City SC [12]
22 Ghana Harrison Afful United States Patrick Mullins New York Red Bulls [13]
24 United States Gyasi Zardes Argentina Federico Higuaín
Argentina Milton Valenzuela 		Houston Dynamo [14]
27 Ghana Harrison Afful Iraq Justin Meram New York City FC [15]
29 Ghana Jonathan Mensah FC Dallas [16]
30 Argentina Federico Higuaín Denmark Niko Hansen Portland Timbers
Colorado Rapids 		[17]
35 United States Gyasi Zardes Minnesota United FC [18]

Kits[edit]

Home
Away
Type Shirt Shorts Socks First appearance / Record
Home Gold Gold Gold Match 1 vs. Toronto / 9–6–7
Away Black Black Black Match 2 vs. Montreal / 6–6–3
Specialty White White White Match 8 vs. New England / 0–0–1

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Statement from Precourt Sports Ventures". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Columbus Crew SC. October 17, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  2. ^ Schladen, Marty (March 5, 2018). "Ohio, Columbus suing to keep Crew SC from moving to Austin". Dispatch.com. Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  3. ^ "Statement from Dee and Jimmy Haslam on interest in Columbus Crew". ClevelandBrowns.com (Press release). NFL Enterprises, LLC. October 12, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  4. ^ MLSsoccer staff (October 12, 2018). "Cleveland Browns owners emerge as potential buyers of Columbus Crew SC". MLSSoccer.com. MLS Digital. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  5. ^ "Columbus Crew SC roster". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Columbus Crew SC. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  6. ^ "CHARLESTON BATTERY TO HOST ATLANTA UNITED, COLUMBUS CREW SC, AND MINNESOTA UNITED FC". CharlestonBattery.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  7. ^ "Crew SC to participate in inaugural preseason Pacific Rim Cup". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  8. ^ @ColumbusCrewSC (July 4, 2018). "Both teams have agreed to play two 30-minutes halves. Warm-ups are estimated to begin shortly. Kickoff is estimated for 9:50 p.m. ET" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  9. ^ Strauss, Brian (April 6, 2017). "MLS clubs have resolution over qualifying for future CCL after format change". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
  10. ^ Stejskal, Sam (January 8, 2018). "How CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers are determined in MLS". Major League Soccer. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  11. ^ "Wiebe: How the 2019 Concacaf Champions League is shaping up for MLS". Major League Soccer. October 25, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  12. ^ "MLS announces 2018 home openers for all 23 clubs; season kicks off March 3". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  13. ^ "Crew SC's 2018 schedule unveiled". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  14. ^ a b c d e "ALL-TIME CAREER LEADERS". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  15. ^ "Columbus Crew SC 3, Chicago Fire 0 - 2018 MLS Match Recap". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  16. ^ "Columbus Crew SC 0–0 Philadelphia Union". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  17. ^ "RECAP - Crew SC stretches unbeaten run to 13". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  18. ^ "Crew SC acquires Artur from Sao Paulo FC". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  19. ^ "NEWS – Crew SC acquires Jon Kempin via trade with LA Galaxy". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  20. ^ "Crew SC acquires Mike Grella via trade with the Colorado Rapids". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  21. ^ "Crew SC adds Venezuelan midfielder Eduardo Sosa". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  22. ^ "Crew SC selects Generation adidas forward Edward Opoku in the second round of 2018 MLS SuperDraft". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  23. ^ a b "Crew SC acquires MLS Cup champion, U.S. international Gyasi Zardes, TAM in trade with Galaxy". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  24. ^ "Crew SC signs free agent midfielder Ricardo Clark". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  25. ^ "Crew SC adds midfielder Luis Argudo in MLS SuperDraft". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  26. ^ a b "Crew SC signs 2018 MLS SuperDraft selections Ben Lundgaard & Luis Argudo". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "Crew SC selects GK Ben Lundgaard in First Round of 2018 MLS SuperDraft". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  28. ^ "Crew SC acquires forward Patrick Mullins in trade with D.C. United". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  29. ^ "Columbus Crew SC acquires midfielder Justin Meram in trade with Orlando City SC". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  30. ^ "Crew SC selects midfielder Jake Rozhansky in the second round of 2018 MLS SuperDraft". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  31. ^ "ROZHANSKY SIGNS WITH MACCABI NETANYA". UMTerps.com. Retrieved January 19, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "Crew SC adds Milton Valenzuela as Young Designated Player". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  33. ^ Crew SC Communications (November 26, 2018). "Columbus Crew SC exercises options on contracts of eight players ahead of 2019". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g "Options exercised on 9 players ahead of 2018 season". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  35. ^ "Marshall Hollingsworth a LHS soccer player who played pro". DailyHerald.com. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  36. ^ "Kekuta Manneh signs with Mexican club Pachucha". MassiveReport.com. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  37. ^ "Abuchi Obinwa – Inter Orlando profile". InterOrlandoFC.com. Inter Orlando FC. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  38. ^ "Swope Park Rangers signs former Columbus Crew SC midfielder Rodrigo Saravia". SportingKC.com. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  39. ^ "Jukka Raitala selected by LAFC in 2017 MLS Expansion Draft". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  40. ^ "NEWS – Crew SC acquires 2019 SuperDraft pick via trade with New York City FC". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  41. ^ "NEWS – Crew SC acquires Allocation Money via trade with Seattle Sounders". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  42. ^ "Crew SC acquires more than $1M in Allocation Money & international roster slot from Orlando City in trade for Justin Meram". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  43. ^ a b "Columbus Crew SC transfers midfielder Mohammed Abu to Norwegian First Division side Valerenga Fotball". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  44. ^ "Crew SC loan goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard to Indy Eleven". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  45. ^ "INDY ELEVEN FALL IN USL CUP QUARTERFINAL TO LOUISVILLE CITY FC, 4-1". IndyEleven.com. October 21, 2018. Archived from the original on September 10, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  46. ^ "Crognale loaned to Orange County SC". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  47. ^ "Seattle Sounders FC vs Columbus Crew SC - Lineups". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  48. ^ @AEricksonCD (May 22, 2018). "Berhalter said Alex Crognale has been loaned back to Orange County SC. #CrewSC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  49. ^ "Columbus Crew SC vs Toronto FC - Lineups". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  50. ^ @AEricksonCD (June 18, 2018). "Alex Crognale is back on loan with Orange County SC. Berhalter said it'll be evaluated on a week to week basis. #CrewSC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  51. ^ Merk, Carson (November 4, 2018). "RECORD SEASON FOR ORANGE COUNTY ENDS. PHOENIX RISES". OrangeCountySoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  52. ^ "Opoku loaned to Saint Louis FC". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  53. ^ @AEricksonCD (May 18, 2018). "Berhalter said team is trying to find him a new USL loan assignment. Consistent game time is the goal. #CrewSC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  54. ^ "Connor Maloney loaned to Pittsburgh Riverhounds". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  55. ^ "Columbus Crew SC vs. Real Salt Lake - Lineups". ColumbusCrewSC,com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  56. ^ @AEricksonCD (July 24, 2018). "Berhalter said Adam Jahn will be loaned to USL's OKC Energy. Game-by-game loan. #CrewSC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  57. ^ Erickson, Andrew (October 21, 2018). "Crew Cuts: Likely future of Crew SC in Columbus 'great news' for players under contract beyond 2018". Dispatch.com. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  58. ^ "Columbus Crew SC midfielder Mohammed Abu set to go on season-long loan to Norwegian first division side Valerenga Fotball". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  59. ^ "Zack Steffen named to the MLS All-Star team". MassiveReport.com. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  60. ^ Bogert, Tom (November 6, 2018). "Crew SC's Zack Steffen named 2018 MLS Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  61. ^ "Crew SC: Gyasi Zardes voted MLS Comeback Player of the Year". Dispatch.com. Columbus Dispatch. November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  62. ^ Erickson, Andrew (November 11, 2018). "Major League Soccer's biggest stars named to 2018 MLS Best XI". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  63. ^ "2018 Crew SC Team Awards". ColumbusCrewSC.com. Columbus Crew SC. November 20, 2018. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
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