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COLUMBUS CREW CREW HISTORY One Black & Gold Blvd. All-Time Records vs. MLS Opponents ...... 88 Columbus, OH 43211 All-Time Results ...... 89 Phone: (614) 447-2739 (CREW) All-Time MLS Crew Coaching Records ...... 94 Fax: (614) 447-4109 All-Time Regular Season Statistics ...... 95 TheCrew.com All-Time Regular Season Statistics at a Glance ...... 98 Blog: BlackandGoldStandard.com All-Time Playoff Statistics ...... 99 Twitter: twitter.com/Columbus_Crew All-Time Playoff Statistics at a Glance ...... 100 Facebook: facebook.com/columbuscrew Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ...... 101 All-Time Crew U.S. Open Cup Statistics ...... 102 All-Time Crew Open Cup Results ...... 104 All-Time Lineups ...... 106 All-Time Award Winners ...... 128 All-Time Attendance ...... 129 Crew Firsts ...... 130 THE CREW Crew Draft History ...... 131 Crew Directory and Staff ...... 2 All-Time Player Register ...... 133 Remembering Our Founder Lamar Hunt ...... 5 Condensed Player Register ...... 157 Investor-Operator Clark K. Hunt ...... 6 Ron Pizzuti and Local Investors ...... 7 HSG President John Wagner ...... 7 CREW RECORDS General Manager Mark McCullers ...... 8 Regular Season Team Records ...... 162 Technical Director Brian Bliss ...... 9 Regular Season Individual Records...... 167 Head Coach Robert Warzycha ...... 10 Playoff Team Records ...... 173 Assistant Coaches ...... 11 Playoff Individual Records ...... 177 Team Staff ...... 12 Crew Yearly Leaders ...... 181 Crew Youth Development ...... 13 Big Game Performances...... 188 Crew History ...... 14 Important Dates in Crew History ...... 20 Crew Broadcast Information ...... 28 MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER Crew Name, Logos and Mascot ...... 29 MLS Directory ...... 192 Crew in the Community, Crew Foundation ...... 30 2011 Player Rules and Regulations ...... 193 The Birth of Columbus Crew Stadium ...... 31 MLS League Schedule & National TV ...... 196 Crew Stadium Highlights ...... 32 2010 MLS Standings, Playoffs, Statistical Leaders ...... 199 Crew Training Center at Obetz ...... 33 Chicago Fire ...... 200 Columbus, Ohio ...... 34 D.C. United ...... 202 Houston Dynamo ...... 204 New England Revolution ...... 206 CREW PLAYERS New York Red Bulls ...... 208 Crew Head Shots ...... 36 Philadelphia Union ...... 210 Crew Roster ...... 38 Sporting Kansas City ...... 211 How the Crew was Built ...... 39 Toronto FC ...... 213 Pronunciation Guide ...... 39 Chivas USA ...... 214 Crew Player Bios ...... 40 Colorado Rapids ...... 215 FC Dallas ...... 217 Los Angeles Galaxy ...... 218 2010 SEASON IN REVIEW Portland Timbers...... 220 2010 Crew Results ...... 74 Real Salt Lake...... 221 2010 Regular Season Statistics ...... 75 San Jose Earthquakes ...... 222 2010 Stats-at-a-Glance ...... 76 Seattle Sounders FC ...... 224 2010 Game-by-Game ...... 77 Vancouver Whitecaps ...... 225 2010 Crew Playoff Statistics ...... 79 2010 Crew Playoff Statistics at a Glance ...... 80 CREW MEDIA INFORMATION 2010 CONCACAF Champions League Statistics ...... 81 Crew on the Road...... 229 2010 U.S. Open Cup Statistics ...... 82 Key Media List ...... 230 2010 Crew Lineups ...... 83 2011 Crew Schedule ...... 232 2010 Crew Box Scores ...... 85 CREDITS Editors ...... Dave Stephany ...... Marco Rosa Editorial Assistance...... Anne Anderson Page Design & Layout ...... Diana Sabau Cover Design ...... Ryan Partnership Photography ...... Jamie Sabau, Getty Images, ...... Greg Bartram, Better Image Photography
1 COLUMBUS CREW DIRECTORY
CREW ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF ...... Leeana Russell, Melanie Seiser, ...... John Sperry, Nick Volsko, Nick White President & General Manager ...... Mark McCullers Ticket Services Manager ...... Jason Decker Sr. VP, Sales and Marketing ...... Mike Malo Ticket Services Coordinator ...... Michelle Silm VP, Soccer Business Development/Executive Director Database Manager ...... Jonathan Elson Crew Juniors ...... Andrew Arthurs Sodexho General Manager ...... Scott Bolster VP, Operations ...... Scott DeBolt VP, Finance & Administration ...... Tom Patton VP, Corporate Partnerships ...... Chris Previte TEAM OFFICIALS Sr. Director, Corporate Partnerships ...... Paul Howard Investor-Operator ...... The Hunt Family Sr. Director, Ticket Sales ...... David Melfi Columbus Investors ...... Ron Pizzuti and local investors Sr. Director, Stadium Business Development ...... Ryan Smith President, Hunt Sports Group ...... John Wagner Sr. Director, Communications & Community Relations/ Executive Director, CSF ...... Dave Stephany Director, Ticket Services ...... Carrie Harris TEAM STAFF Director, Marketing & Promotions ...... Arica Kress Technical Director ...... Brian Bliss Director, Event Services ...... Amber Louck Head Coach ...... Robert Warzycha Director, Soccer Business Development ...... Jeremy Parkins Assistant Coaches ...... Ricardo Iribarren, Director, Partnership Relations ...... Marc Schmidt ...... Mike Lapper, Vadim Kirillov Director, Stadium Grounds ...... Brett Tanner Strength and Fitness Coach: ...... Mike Tremble Director, Hispanic Business Development ...... Francisco Terreros Director, Team Operations ...... Tucker Walther Director of Coaching, Crew Juniors ...... Billy Thompson Head Athletic Trainer ...... David Lagow Director of Coaching, Phoenix Crew Juniors ...... James Field Assistant Athletic Trainer ...... Skylar Richards Assistant to the Technical Director ...... Duncan Oughton Equipment Manager ...... Rusty Wummel Digital Content Editor ...... TJ Ansley Massage Therapist ...... Janet Diebley Merchandise Manager ...... Jenn Davis Team Doctors ...... Pete Edwards M.D., Scott Johnson M.D., Communications Manager ...... Marco Rosa ...... Scott Van Steyn M.D., Roger Wilt M.D. Community Relations Manager/Development & Program Team Chiropractor ...... Dr. Thomas Corbin Specialist, CSF ...... Robin Ungerleider Team Dentist ...... Herb Postle, D.D.S. Advertising & Promotions Manager ...... Leah Matthews Hispanic Business Development Coordinator ...... Olga Christina Kooi SUPPORT STAFF Partnership Activation Coordinator...... Dan Lolli Public Address Announcer ...... Todd Bell Fan Development Coordinator ...... Trisha McCarthy Crew Radio ...... English: 610 WTVN (AM); Staff Accountant ...... Michelle Weingarth ...... Spanish: La Mega 103.1 FM Maintenance Supervisor ...... Ted Hilt Radio Announcers ...... English: Neil Sika, John Bluem Facility/Event Services Coordinator ...... Jordan Enke ...... Spanish: Carlos Cordova, Benny Pietrangelo Assistant Director of Stadium Grounds ...... Ray White Crew TV ...... Ohio News Network (ONN) Groundskeeper ...... Ben Jackson TV Announcers ...... Dwight Burgess, Duncan Oughton Assistant to the President/GM...... Breanne Richey Press Box Staff ...... Steve Haller, Joe Merth, Dan Nelson Assistant to the Vice Presidents ...... Anne Barber First Impressions Coordinator ...... Anne Anderson Senior Account Executive ...... Konstantin Haerle CREW TRAINING CENTER AT OBETZ Soccer Ticket Sales Manager ...... Avin Assomull 4153 Alum Creek Dr. Corporate Ticket Sales Manager ...... Adam Carney Obetz, OH 43207 Sales Coordinator ...... Stacy McGranor Phone: (614) 492-1283 Account Executives ...... Phil Goldfarb, Brandie Pifer, Fax: (614) 492-1512
THE CREW
2 COLUMBUS CREW STAFF
Anne Anderson TJ Ansley Andrew Arthurs Avin Assomull Anne Barber
Adam Carney Jennifer Davis Scott DeBolt Jason Decker Jonathan Elson
Jordan Enke James Field Phil Goldfarb Konstantin Haerle Carrie Harris
Ted Hilt Paul Howard Ben Jackson Olga Kooi Arica Kress
Dan Lolli Amber Louck Mike Malo Leah Matthews
3 Trisha McCarthy Stacy McGranor David Melfi Duncan Oughton Jeremy Parkins
Tom Patton Brandie Pifer Chris Previte Breanne Richey Marco Rosa
Leeana Russell Marc Schmidt Melanie Seiser Michelle Silm Ryan Smith
John Sperry David Stephany Brett Tanner Francisco Terreros Billy Thompson
Robin Ungerleider Nick Volsko Michelle Weingarth Nick White Raymond White
THE CREW
4 REMEMBERING OUR FOUNDER LAMAR HUNT
The Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer and the American States. The stadium broke ground on sports community at large lost a true treasure on Dec. 13, 2006 when Aug. 14, 1998 and was built in just Crew Founder Lamar Hunt passed away peacefully at the age of 74, nine months and one day, opening following a long, valiant battle with prostate cancer. on May 15, 1999 to a sold-out, He is survived by his wife, Norma, their four children, Lamar, Jr., overflow crowd of 24,741. Sharron Munson, Clark and Daniel, and 14 grandchildren. In recognition, Hunt was To honor his memory, in conjunction with the Hunt family, the Crew awarded the National Soccer Hall developed Founder’s Park, which was dedicated on July 7, 2007. of Fame Medal of Honor that year, The memorial tribute replaced Monument Park just south of the Crew becoming just the second person Kicker Plaza. It incorporated the existing plaque-on-rock monuments to receive the medal reserved for conceived by Hunt and now features a new layout and landscape extraordinary individuals whose design, which was one of his interests. positive contributions to soccer at Recognized as one of the the national level affected the course of soccer history in the United greatest sports visionaries in States. American history, Hunt helped He also saw the U.S. Open Cup tournament renamed in his pioneer pro soccer in this country honor in 1999. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. and his contributions to the sport Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to have had a major impact on the all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. sports landscape in the U.S. Bitten Dating back to 1914, the single-elimination tournament is the oldest by the soccer bug during the 1966 annual team tournament in U.S. sports history. FIFA World Cup, he attended Hunt’s MLS teams won three championships in his lifetime – the every ensuing World Cup, with the Crew’s 2002 U.S. Open Cup title and Kansas City’s MLS Cup 2000 exception of 1978 and 2006. In and 2004 U.S. Open Cup crowns. 2002, he witnessed at least part After taking over the operations of Dallas in 2003, Hunt’s of a tournament match in each of youngest son, Dan, joined Hunt Sports Group. HSG made soccer the 20 venues spread across the history again with the construction of Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, co-hosting countries of South Korea in 2004-05. It has the distinction of being the first soccer stadium and Japan. He served as the co- built through a coordination of both private and public funds and has chairman of the Dallas World Cup become the model for soccer-specific stadiums in the United States. Host Committee in 1994. Following the 2004 season, Hunt was presented the In 1967, Hunt became an original investor in the Dallas Tornado Commissioner’s Award by MLS Commissioner Don Garber for Soccer Club, in what was known as the United Soccer Association for being one of the league’s founding fathers, as well as a man who one season and then the North American Soccer League starting in championed soccer in the United States for nearly 40 years. In 2005, 1968. In 1971, Hunt won his first professional soccer championship the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer when the Tornado defeated the Atlanta Chiefs. A model franchise in the United States, presented Hunt with the Foundation’s Lifetime during its 14 years, the organization and its legacy was an early Achievement Award. catalyst in the development of the game, placing North Texas at the As far back as 1982, Hunt was honored for his efforts to help forefront of the American youth soccer explosion. establish pro soccer in America by being inducted into the National The Hunt family once again stepped to the forefront of U.S. soccer Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. Hunt has also been inducted in 1996 by becoming a charter investor in Major League Soccer. into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Lamar was joined by his son, Clark, in the Hunt Sports Group as MLS Hall of Fame, as well as the sports halls of fame of both Missouri and was created with a unique single-entity operating structure, in which Texas. investors own an interest in the league in addition to individual teams. Hunt is perhaps best known for helping make pro football history The Hunts were the original investor-operators of both the Crew and in 1960 by founding and organizing the American Football League the Kansas City Wizards. and with innumerable subsequent contributions. The Founder of the Hunt made his greatest contribution to soccer in this country in Kansas City Chiefs, he has been credited with coining the term “Super 1998-99, when he funded the construction of Crew Stadium, the Bowl” – a game his Chiefs won in 1970. He was the AFL’s principal first major-league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United negotiator in the merger talks with the NFL and the AFC championship trophy bears his name. Appropriately nicknamed “Games” during his childhood, his love of sports was his true passion, an enthusiasm which led to his involvement in six different professional sports leagues and seven sports franchises. Hunt was born on Aug. 2, 1932 in El Dorado, Ark., and graduated from SMU with a B.S. in Geology in 1956. While at SMU, he was a reserve end on the varsity football team. Hunt was an avid supporter of his alma mater and was an annual fixture at the Cotton Bowl. He and his wife, Norma, were also involved in numerous philanthropic and civic efforts.
Clark, Norma and Dan Hunt (l-r) at the ceremonial unveiling of the statue of their late husband and father, Crew Founder Lamar Hunt, in Crew Stadium’s Founder’s Park on Aug. 28, 2010.
5 CLARK K. HUNT INVESTOR-OPERATOR
A founding investor-operator of Major League Soccer, Clark Hunt long-term viability of soccer in the United States. Six years later, in remains one of the most innovative and influential members of the MLS 2005, Hunt Sports Group unveiled Pizza Hut Park, a 145-acre soccer Board of Governors. As chairman of the Hunt Sports Group, Hunt complex in Frisco, Texas, and the home of FC Dallas. oversees the operations of the Hunt family’s two MLS interests – the With its 17 tournament-grade fields, permanent event stage and Columbus Crew and FC Dallas. first-classfi design, Pizza Hut Park became the model for soccer-specific Son of the late American stadiumss in North America. By the 2007 season, less than a decade sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, aftera the inaugural match in Crew Stadium, more than half of all MLS Clark Hunt shares his father’s teamst had a soccer-specific stadium to call home – a credit to the passion for soccer and the visionv of Lamar Hunt and leadership of the Hunt Sports Group. family’s vision for the sport’s As stadium construction, new investment, player development and success in the United States. At a broadening fan base continue to shape the soccer marketplace in Lamar’s request, Clark engaged NorthN America, Clark Hunt is intimately involved in the development in the formative discussions anda direction of MLS. Hunt currently serves as one of four members for MLS lending his proven ofo the MLS Board of Governors appointed to Commissioner business acumen to the league’s DonD Garber’s Executive Committee. He is also a member of financial structure. Now in its thet Competition Committee as well as the league’s Labor and 16th season, MLS has earned PhilanthropyP Committees. a stake in the landscape of In addition to his roles in MLS, Hunt is also a respected voice in professional sports and is well- thet National Football League. Now is in his sixth year as Chairman of positioned for future growth. thet Board of the Kansas City Chiefs, the storied franchise founded by In 1999, Clark Hunt hish father, he is currently directing the expansion and renovation of the worked closely his with iconici Arrowhead Stadium – an extensive modernization project to father to construct the first “soccer-specificpeecificciififi stadium”stat ddidium””i in thethh UnitedUUiUnitdtedd keepk Kansas City the “home of the Chiefs” for decades to come. States in Columbus. Realizing the vision of Lamar Hunt, the debut of In 2006, Hunt was one of eight NFL owners to serve on the professional soccer at Columbus Crew Stadium on May 15, 1999, Commissioner Search Committee which recommended Commissioner represented a pivotal moment in the history of MLS and solidified the Roger Goodell as the successor to then-Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. In 2007, Goodell appointed Hunt to the NFL’s Digital Media and International Committees, as well as the Executive Committee of the NFL Management Council. Hunt graduated first in his class at Southern Methodist University in 1987, earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He was a two-time recipient of the university’s highest academic honor, the Provost Award for Outstanding Scholar. While at SMU, he was also a four-year letterman on the Mustangs nationally ranked soccer team, earning first-team Academic All-America honors as a junior and senior and serving as a tri-captain his final season. He was recognized as one of the SMU Cox School of Business Outstanding Young Alumni in 2004 and, in 2005, he was appointed to the Cox School Executive Board of Trustees. Hunt currently serves on the SMU Board of Trustees. Hunt and his wife, the former Tavia Shackles of Kansas City, are involved in numerous philanthropic efforts. In 2004, the Hunts were part of the grassroots effort behind the formation of Lift Up America – an organization that facilitates widespread compassion and giving through strategic partnerships with corporations and sports teams. Since that time, more than 30 teams have partnered with Lift Up America, and corporations like Cinemark Theaters, Interstate Batteries and Tyson Foods have helped the organization distribute millions of pounds of food and countless other services to people in need worldwide. Clark Knobel Hunt was born on February 19, 1965 and graduated from the St. Mark’s School of Dallas in 1983. The Hunts have three children – Gracelyn, Knobel and Ava.
THE CREW
6 RON PIZZUTI JOHN WAGNER INVESTOR-OPERATOR PRESIDENT, HSG
Ronald A. Pizzuti and Pizzuti Sports Limited head a roster of local John Wagner serves as investors that includes Benlucas Limited, John G. Hondros, George President of Hunt Sports Group, Jenkins, Diane Keeler, Elizabeth Krumm, John P. McConnell, Joseph which is the management Milano Jr., Mark R. Mitchell, Michael T. Radcliffe, Riverside Sports company responsible for Medicine Inc., TCS Limited Partnership, William White and Wolfe overseeing certain Hunt family Enterprises Inc. sports investments, including the Pizzuti is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Pizzuti Columbus Crew and Columbus Companies, one of the nation’s leading real estate development Crew Stadium. firms. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Pizzuti has offices in A member of the Major ChicagoC and Orlando. Piz- League Soccer and Soccer zzuzuti’s leadership has guided United Marketing Board of TThThe Pizzuti Companies to Governors, Wagner also pplplanned, steady growth serves on the league’s Audit dduduring the past 35 years. He and Finance Committee oovoversees the company’s daily and Business Development oopoperations and focuses on Committee. bbubuilding and maintaining one Prior to joining Hunt Sports oof the industry’s top teams of Group in 1996, Wagner spent rrereale estate professionals. 13 years as a CPA in public accounting,untitingng, ththeh lastllt ninenini eyee yeyearsars withithh Pizzuti founded the firm in Coopers and Lybrand in Kansas City, Missouri. He specialized in 1191976 after a successful career iinn retailing, which included entrepreneurial business and family-owned business consulting, with a eexexecutive positions at Feder- concentration on federal and state tax related issues. aatated Department Stores and During his years in public accounting, he managed a joint venture TThThe Limited, Inc. Today, The between Hunt Sports Group and Coopers and Lybrand, wherein PPiPizzuti Companies develops the joint venture provided consultation on matters of state income tax iinstitutional-graden office, indus- jurisdictions for the NFL, NBA, NHL and applicable players unions to trialttrtri and mixed-use projects develop uniformity and efficiency in the complex area of professional throughouthroughoh uttt the thMhe MMidwestididwed stt aandnddS SSoutheastouththheast anand provides portfolio devel- athletes’ non-resident income tax filings. opment, asset and property management, and investment services, Wagner earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at the University which stress quality leadership, innovation and attention to aesthetics. of South Dakota and completed his MBA degree at the University of One notable example is SouthPark, a master-planned industrial park Missouri-Kansas City in 1986. He resides in Southlake, Texas, a Dalls- located in Grove City, Ohio, known for its beautiful park-like campus Fort Worth suburb, with his wife, Nancy, and their three children, with more than 4 million square feet of industrial buildings. Taylor, Amanda and Parker. Pizzuti has expanded its portfolio to include well over 40 million square feet of development valued at more than $1 billion nation- wide, and its clients include Fortune 500 companies, as well as numerous national and international businesses. In recent years, Pizzuti is best known locally for his work on Miranova, a $150 million project designed by Arquitectonica along the Scioto River. Miranova is a mixed-use development featuring a luxury high-rise condominium tower with more than 100 residences, a 242,000-square-foot Class A office building, a signature restaurant, service retail and a 750-car parking garage. Miranova has served as a catalyst for future downtown development. A native of Kent, Ohio, Pizzuti is a 1962 graduate of Kent State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Admin- istration. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Columbus College of Art and Design in 2000. An industry leader, Pizzuti is a licensed real estate broker in Ohio and active member of numerous national and local real estate industry associations, including the National Association of Industrial and Of- fice Properties (NAIOP) and the Columbus Board of Realtors. In the community, Pizzuti has served as President of the Board of Trustees for the Columbus Museum of Art and presently serves on the Board of the Wexner Center Foundation. In addition, he served as chairman for both the Board of Trustees of Kent State University and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. In 1993, at the request of then-Columbus Mayor Lashutka, Pizzuti led an effort to attract major-league sports to Columbus and was successful in securing Major League Soccer (Crew) and National Hockey League (Blue Jackets) franchises. Pizzuti is a past Chairman of the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. In February of 2000, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Com- merce awarded Pizzuti its top honor, the Columbus Award, for his many years of service to the community. Pizzuti and his wife, Ann, received the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus’ 2007 Humanitarian of the Year Award for their leadership and active roles in the positive development of the community. Ron and Ann Pizzuti have three children and four grandchildren.
7 MARK MCCULLERS PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
In the midst of the most successful period in club history, Mark McCullers has driven numerous stadium development projects dur- McCullers is in his seventh full season as General Manager of the Co- ing his tenure and the permanent amphitheatre-style stage completed lumbus Crew and fourth as its President. Over 12 years of dedicated in 2008 makes Crew Stadium one of the region’s top summer outdoor service to the organization began in December 1998 when he came concert venues. to Columbus to oversee the development of Crew Stadium, the first McCullers’ leadership and vision has quickly transformed the major-league stadium built specifically for soccer in the U.S. In January Crew into a sports and entertainment property with greater depth and 2001, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, before becoming capacity, with compelling new ideas and projects still on the horizon. theth Crew’s third General Throughout his 20-year career, McCullers has maintained a taste ManagerM in July 2004 and for high-impact projects, and facility improvements remain a priority. PresidentPr in May 2008. On that agenda is working with local officials to prioritize upgrades Under McCullers’ vision, to the Crew Stadium site to positively reflect on the multitude of visitors theth Crew’s mandate has been to the OEC campus and functionally service the entire complex of to establish and sustain a facilities. A diligent and lengthy quest to secure state funding for leaguele leadership role in ev- parking lot upgrades has borne fruit, with a $5 million improvement eryere aspect of club operations. project completed in 2010. It has reached the pinnacle McCullers’ appointment as General Manager in July 2004 on the competition side, win- coincided with the beginning of the club’s 18-game unbeaten streak ningni three MLS Supporters’ to end that season, in which it won the Supporter’s Shield for the ShieldShS titles in the last seven first time. The league-record unbeaten streak, which still stands, was seasonsse and storming to its ultimately extended to 19 games (9-0-10). firstfir MLS Cup championship As General Manager of Crew Stadium, opened on May 15, inin 2008, with a 17-7-6 record 1999, McCullers was a key contributor in the historic venue’s anda club-record 57 points. development and construction and he has been instrumental in luring TheTh back-to-back Shields in a succession of marquee events to the facility. Among them are six 200820 and 2009 marked just World Cup Qualifiers, including the coveted USA-Mexico final-round theth second time in league qualifier in each of the last three cycles (2001, 2005 and 2009), the hhistory thath featf hash beenb achieved.h d Theh Crew also became just the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2000 and 2005 MLS All-Star second MLS club to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League Games, MLS Cup 2001 and the 2001 and 2003 NCAA Men’s championship round in the 2009/10 tournament and did so again in College Cups. the 2010/11 edition. Prior to joining the Crew, McCullers served nine years at the D.C. The dream 2008 season, in which the Crew became the first Sports and Entertainment Commission, first as Event Manager for RFK club in six years to claim the Shield-Cup double, capped a three-year Stadium and the D.C. Armory and then as Assistant Stadium Manager rebuilding plan that was sparked by the audacious signing of Argen- at RFK. During his career at RFK, he helped produce some of the most tine superstar Guillermo Barros Schelotto in 2007, a move that has significant soccer events held in the U.S., including the 1994 World brought the club increased international attention and raised its profile Cup, 1996 Olympic Soccer and MLS Cup 1997. on the global soccer stage. McCullers oversees the efforts of the club’s charitable arm, the McCullers initiated the launch of the organization’s youth Crew Soccer Foundation, as President of its Board of Directors. He development program, which includes the Crew Soccer Academy, also serves on the Boards of the Buckeye Ranch Foundation, Nation- Crew Juniors and Crew Juniors affiliates. It was ranked No. 8 in the wide Children’s Hospital Foundation, Recreation Unlimited Foundation country by Soccer America in 2010, on the strength of U-20 and and Experience Columbus, as well as the Greater Columbus Sports U-19 national championships. In fulfilling Major League Soccer’s youth Commission Advisory Board. development mandate, the Crew has established a youth player expe- rience unparalleled in its region, punctuated by the elite Crew Soccer Academy, the professional club’s no-fee player development arm that implements a curriculum developed by the Crew technical staff. One of McCullers’ first strategic initiatives was a comprehensive and innovative promotional, marketing and player development agreement with the Ohio South Youth Soccer Association that contin- ues to provide the Crew with a multifaceted platform to consistently communicate with the region’s considerable youth soccer programs. That model is being expanded into the development of a network of regional youth soccer partnerships, which supports the club’s overall regional brand vision. McCullers’ commitment to soccer’s tremendous grassroots strength is paying dividends across the club’s various business interests. ONN retains local TV rights and will broadcast 32 Crew regular-season matches in 2011, ensuring that all 34 games are again available either statewide or nationally, and its weekly show CrewXtra returns for a third season. Resulting from the club’s partnership with dominant radio property Clear Channel Entertainment, the Crew is in its fourth season on flagship radio station News/Talk 610 WTVN, which is Mark McCullers with first-round selection Justin Meram and Crew head coach Robert Warzycha at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. one of the area’s top-rated stations.
THE CREW
8 8 BRIAN BLISS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Former Crew defender Brian Bliss is in his fourth season as the youth National Championship double in 2010, guiding both the club’s Technical Director, having been the first person ever appointed U-19s to victory in the prestigious McGuire Cup and the U-20s to the to the post on Jan. 29, 2008. UnitedU Soccer Leagues Super 20s league title. The 45-year-old Bliss A member of the Crew from 1996-97, when he scored two goals primarily supports President iin 31 games, Bliss has enjoyed a 22-year career in professional & General Manager Mark ssoccer. McCullers and head coach A member of the 1990 U.S. World Cup team, Bliss earned 33 Robert Warzycha and the ccaps with the U.S. National Team overall, from 1984-95, tallying two senior coaching staff in the ggoals. He also played in the 1995 Copa America tournament and management of player-person- rrepresented the U.S. at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. nel matters, player assessment His playing career culminated with Major League Soccer’s first and domestic and international tthree seasons, where he scored two goals and added a pair of scouting. Additionally, Bliss aassists in 50 MLS games with the Crew, MetroStars and Wizards continues to play a significant ffrom 1996-98. role in the ongoing develop- Bliss, who holds a U.S. Soccer Federation ‘A’ Coaching License, ment of the Crew Soccer Acad- bbegan his coaching career in 1999 as head coach of the A-League’s emy program and the Crew’s CConnecticut Wolves, which he guided to a 22-point improvement youth player-development tthat season. curriculum. He then returned to Kansas City, where he served as a Wizards In fact, he was the head aassistant coach from 2000-July 2006 and as interim coach from July- coach of the club’s remarkable DDec. 2006. During his tenure in K.C., the club won MLS Cup and the SSupporterís Shield in 2000 and the 2004 U.S. Open Cup. Following his long tenure with the Wizards, he spent 2007 as the Director of Coaching for the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association Prior to MLS, Bliss played for Carl Zeiss Jena (1992-95), Chemnitzer FC (1991-92) and Energie Cottbus (1991) of the German Second Division, Boston Bolts (1990) and Albany Capitals (1989) of the APSL and Cleveland Force of MISL (1987-88). Anative of Rochester, N.Y., Bliss played collegiately at Southern Connecticut State University, where he earned a B.S. in Economics. He and his wife, Jacki, have two children, daughter Stella and son Jack.
9 ROBERT WARZYCHA HEAD COACH Robert Warzycha is now in his third full season as the Crew’s Prior to joining the Crew, Warzycha made 47 appearances with head coach. One of the the Polish National Team from 1988-95 and enjoyed a three-year stint Crew’sCre all-time greats on the with Everton of the English Premier League (1991-94), among many field,fiel he is now in his 10th career highlights that also included time the Polish and Hungarian seasonsea on the club’s coaching top flights. staffsta overall. Warzycha was born on Aug. 20, 1963. He and his wife, Eliza, In his superlative first full now naturalized U.S. citizens, have three children, sons Konrad and seasonsea at the helm, Warzycha Bartosz and daughter Olivia. Konrad currently plays for Sporting guidedgui the Crew to the 2009 Kansas City. Supporters’SupS Shield title, with a 13-7-1013 record, and into the championshipchaha round of the 2009-1020 CONCACAF Cham- pionspiop League. In recognition of his efforts, he was named a finalistfina for 2009 MLS Coach of theth Year honors. Warzycha followed that up withwitwi a 50-point campaign in 2010220 (14-8-8) and advance- mentme to the CONCCONCACAFACAFAF ChaChampionsmpionssL LLeagueea Quarterfinals for a second straight season. In the midst of his tenure as an assistant coach, Warzycha dis- tinguished himself during a 16-game stint as the Crew’s interim head coach from July 12, 2005 through the end of that season. Warzycha took over a 4-10-2 team and went 7-6-3 the rest of the way, including and impressive 4-4-2 mark on the road. Following that season he accepted the club’s offer to remain on staff as Sigi Schmid’s top assistant – in so doing becoming the first Crew assistant ever to sign a multi-year contract – and he played an instrumental role the process that resulted in the club’s 2008 Support- ers’ Shield and MLS Cup championship season. Warzycha’s retirement following the 2002 season capped a highly decorated, 16-year playing career. A native of Siemkowice, Poland, Warzycha (pronounced var- ZEE-hah) joined the Crew during its inaugural 1996 season and he remains the club’s all-time career assists leader, with 61, while ranking fifth in games played (160) and fourth in points (99). He added 19 goals in regular-season play and finished with two goals and nine assists in 17 career playoff games. One of the more successful international signings in MLS history, Warzycha was a two-time MLS All-Star and the Crew’s team MVP in 2000. He is perhaps best remembered for his set-piece proficiency. He spent the 2002 U.S. Open Cup championship season as a player/assistant coach, before moving to the sidelines full-time in 2003.
WARZYCHA’S COACHING RECORDS All-Time MLS Regular Season Year Team Overall Home Away 2005 Columbus Crew (MLS) 7-6-3 3-2-1 4-4-2 2009 Columbus Crew (MLS) 13-7-10 9-2-4 4-5-6 2010 Columbus Crew (MLS) 14-8-8 10-3-2 4-5-6 Totals 34-21-21 22-7-7 12-14-14
All-Time CONCACAF Champions League Year Team Overall Home Away 2009/10 Columbus Crew (MLS) 2-3-3 1-1-2 1-2-1 2010/11 Columbus Crew (MLS) 4-2-0 3-0-0 1-2-0 Totals 6-5-3 4-1-2 2-4-1
All-Time U.S. Open Cup Year Team Overall (OT/PK) Home (OT/PK) Away (OT/PK) 2005 Columbus Crew (MLS) 0-1-0 (0-1) 0-1-0 (0-1) 0-0-0 (0-0) 2009 Columbus Crew (MLS) 0-0-1 (0-1) 0-0-0 (0-0) 0-0-1 (0-1) 2010 Columbus Crew (MLS) 3-1-0 (1-0) 2-0-0 (0-0) 1-1-0 (1-0) Totals 3-2-1 (1-2) 2-1-0 (0-1) 1-1-1 (1-1)
All-Time Records W L T All-Time Regular-Season Record 34 21 21 All-Time Composite Record (incl. CCL, USOC) 43 28 25
THE CREW
10 ASSISTANT COACHES
RICARDO IRIBARREN A native of Huntington Beach, Calif., Lapper was born on Aug. Assistant Coach 28, 1970. He and his wife, Tara, have two sons, Kyle and Tyler.
F o r m e r C r e w d e f e n d e r R i c a r d o Iribarren is in his third season as VADIMV KIRILLOV AssistantA Coach a member of the Crew’s coach- ing staff. Vadim Kirillov is in his The La Plata, Argentina, native fifthfi season as the Crew’s (whose name is pronounced ggoalkeeper coach. He came ee-REE-bah-RAIN) boasts 25 tto Columbus from the Metro years of playing and coaching NNew York area, where he was experience, most recently serving tthe goalkeepers coach for the as the head coach and director of MMetroStars/New York Red soccer for the American School BBulls reserves and youth devel- Foundation in Mexico City. oopment teams that competed I r i b a r r e n’s c o a c h i n g e x p e r i e n c e iin the USL Super Y-League from also includes serving as technical 22005-06. director and head coach for the At the same time, he was Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL1/ aan assistant coach at Adelphi USL2) from 2003-05 and head UUniversity (Garden City, N.Y.), coach of Chatham College’s (Pa.) wwhich in 2006 earned its first women’s team from 2001-03, as wellwell as asa a numbernumber of ofpo postssts at thethe high higgh bberth in the NCAA Division I tournamentti since 1992.1992 school and youth levels. Iribarren’s Riverhounds teams went 35-16-4 A native of Moscow and former player in the Soviet Union’s Premier overall, including a USL2-best 17-2-1 regular-season mark in 2004. League, Kirillov coached goalkeepers of the U-14 U.S. National Team, During that year the Riverhounds won 17 matces in a row. ODP U.S. Region 1 club and ODP New Jersey state team. Iribarren enjoyed a 17-year playing career that included stints in Ar- Kirillov was born on Sept. 9, 1964 and holds a Master’s degree in gentina, with Estudiantes, Belgrano and Almagro, and Ecuador, with Political and Economical Science from Moscow State University in Russia. Liga Deportiva Universitaria. He joined the Crew during its inaugural 1996 season and returned in 1998, notching a goal and four assists in 49 games in Black & Gold overall. Stints with the Milwaukee Rampage (A-League), Dallas Burn (MLS) and Pittsburgh Riverhounds (A-League) followed. He retired upon being named Pittsburgh’s head coach in July 2003. Iribarren, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Jan. 25 2011, holds coaching licenses from the U.S., Argentine and Mexican federa- tions and graduated with a degree in Economics from Universidad Nacional de La Plata in 1990. Born Nov. 2, 1967, he and his wife, Evie, have three children, Milena, Blas and Jeremias. MIKE LAPPER Assistant Coach
Former Crew defender Mike Lapper is in his seventh year as a member of the club’s coaching staff. Upon his retirement in July 2002, Lapper joined the Crew front office as Director of Soccer Business Development, a role he held through 2007 in which he ran the organization’s camp and clinic business. He joined the coaching staff concurrently in 2005. A U.S. World Cup and Olympic Team veteran, Lapper earned his USSF “A” coaching license in January 2006. He has also coached in the national team program, serving as an assistant with the U.S. Under-20 National Team that competed at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland. A hard-nosed defender during his playing days, Lapper appeared in 110 games for the Crew from 1997-2002,02f2 ffollowingolloll wing stints in EEuropeuropewi withthh VfL Wolfsburg (Germany) and Southend (England). He played in college at perennial power UCLA, where he was a member of the Bruins’ 1990 NCAA championship team and earned first-team All- America accolades in 1991.
11 TEAM STAFF
MIKEKET TREMBLEREMBLEB DAVIDVID LAGOWLAGOOWW SKYLARYLAR RICHARDSRICHAARDS TUCKERCKCKEERR WWAWALTHERLTHEERR Strength & Fitness Coach Head Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Director, Team Operations Mike Tremble is in his second David Lagow is in his second Skylar Richards is in his fif th sea- Tucker Walther is in his 11th season as the Crew’s Strength & season with the Crew. He previ- son as the Crew’s Assistant Athletic season with the Crew, having Fitness Coach, joining the Crew ously served as head athletic Trainer, after gaining experience b e e n p r o m o t e d t o D i r e c t o r o f Te a m from Boston University’s athletic trainer for the Charleston Battery with various organizations, includ- Operations following the 2009 department, where he served as (USL-1)from 2008 until he joined ing the Evansville Otters (Frontier campaign. Walther oversees all a strength and conditioning the Crew in 2010.He is a current League baseball), Indiana Athletic of the team’s preseason training graduate assistant coach for member of U.S. Soccer’s athletic Training Association, Washington camps, team travel, scheduling programs including men’s soccer. trainer pool.He served as Athletic Nationals (MLB) and D.C. United and administrative issues. He also He previously served as strength Trainer for the full U.S. Men’s Na- (MLS). works closely with the technical and conditioning coach for the tional Team during 2010 World Richards received his B.S. in staff and players in the day-to-day Western Mass Pioneers of the Cup qualifying, friendly matches, Athletic Training from the University operation of the team. United Soccer Leagues Second 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup of Evansville, where he also served Walther came to the Crew Division in 2007. and 2007 Copa America. as the interim strength coach for from D.C. United as the club’s Tremble was responsible for He has also provided athletic a semester before becoming a Equipment Manager in December designing and implementing training services for U.S. Sand football Athletic Training Graduate 2000. While with D.C., he gained strength and conditioning pro- Soccer, U-23, U-20 and U-18 Assistant at the University of Akron, experience in marketing, customer grams for BU’s women’s golf and National Soccer teams, and where he earned his Masters in relations, game-day operations men’s and women’s swimming in 2007 served as the Athletic Exercise Physiology. and equipment management. and diving programs, in addition Trainer for the U.S. Men’s Beach Richards is a certified strength Following the 2004 season, to men’s soccer. While there, he Soccer National Team during that and conditioning professional, Walther was named the MLS worked toward his Master’s of year’s Beach Soccer World Cup. certified massage therapist, and Kwik Goal Equipment Manager Education, with a concentration Lagow also served as Assistant FMS specialist. Working closely of the Year. He has worked with in coach education, and he ex- Athletic Trainer at Emory University with the rest of the athletic training the league on MLS Cup 2000 pected to complete course work (2005-2007) and the College of and strength and fitness staffs, he and the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS toward his Master’s degree in the William and Mary (2003-2005). focuses his skills on developing All-Star Game. spring of 2010. He earned his He received his Bachelor’s degree functional based injury preven- Simultaneous to his time with undergraduate degree in Applied in Physical Education from the Col- tion and performance programs, D.C. United, Walther worked for Exercise Science at Springfield lege of Charleston in 2001 and speaking at various athletic training the U.S. Men’s National Team and College (Mass.). his Masters in Physical Education seminars and coordinating the was also involved in ticket sales Tremble also served as a from The Citadel where he also club’s sports medicine interns. and game-day operations for the strength and conditioning intern served as Resident Athletic Trainer 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the University of Texas bas- from 2001-03. While in College, at the Washington, D.C., venue. ketball program from 2007-08. Lagow interned with the New York Walther is a native of Ann He also served as a performance Knicks and the Atlanta Falcons. Arbor, Mich., and earned a trainer for Mike Boyle Strength and He resides in Columbus with his Bachelor of Science in Business Conditioning in Boston, where wife, Alison, and their dog Duke. Administration from Appalachian he was responsible for coaching State University (Boone, N.C.). group-based training sessions.
THE CREW
12 RUSTY WUMMEL PETE EDWARDS, MD THOMAS CORBIN Equipment Manager Team Doctor Team Chiropractor Rusty Wummel is in his fifth season Dr. Pete Edwards is a proud Dr. Thomas Corbin has been as the Crew’s Equipment Manager. member of the OhioHealth the Official Chiropractor of the Wummel came to Columbus after Sports Medicine Institute, the of- Columbus Crew since 2003. Dr. spending the 2006 season as an ficial healthcare provider of the Corbin and Dr. Dean Haldeman assistant equipment manager with Crew, and he has served the opened Graceland Chiropractic the Chicago Fire, a position he also club as a team physician for all in Clintonville in 2008. He has held from 1999-2002. 15 seasons. A sports medicine also worked with other Columbus In between, he was the New physician and orthopedic sur- teams, including the Columbus England Revolution’s head equip- geon at the Ohio Orthopedic Destroyers, Columbus Comets and ment manager from 2003-05 and Center of Excellence, he has Columbus Stars. he was named the Kwik Goal MLS also served the U.S. National Dr. Corbin graduated from Equipment Manager of the Year Team program as a team physi- Findlay High School, where he following the 2005 campaign. cian over the years. was a goalkeeper on the soccer In December 2009, Wummel Dr. Edwards gained extensive team recruited to play at Hiram handled equipment duties on an sports experience in Oklahoma College. While at Hiram, he 11-day Generation adidas trip to City, serving a fellowship with received a Bachelor of Arts De- South Africa, during which the the Oklahoma Center for Ath- gree in Finance and Accounting contingent had the opportunity letes. The fellowship entailed with a minor in Philosophy. Upon to attend the draw for the 2010 being the team doctor for the completion of his undergraduate FIFA World Cup. In August 20 05, Oklahoma City 89ers (the Texas degree, he furthered his education he had the distinction of being Rangers AAA affiliate), the Okla- at National University earning selected to travel to Spain as the homa City Blazers of the Central a Bachelors of Science and a equipment manager for the MLS Hockey League, and the Okla- Doctorate Degree in Chiropractic. Select team that took on world- homa City Slickers in the United Dr. Corbin is a National Board power Real Madrid at its famed Systems of Independent Soccer Certified Chiropractic Physician Bernabeu Stadium. League (USISL). as well as an Eagle Scout. Dr. Edwards is also an ac- complished writer, having been published numerous times on the subject of sports rehabilitation, during his tenure as a team doc- tor. He attended The Ohio State University as an undergraduate, then for graduate school and medical school, as well. He did his residency at West Virginia University Medical Center. Doctors Scott Johnson, Scott Van Steyn, and Roger Wilt com- plete the staff.
13 CREW YOUTH DEVELOPMENT At the foundation of the Crew’s burgeon- Juniors DOC and Jeremy Parkins is Director of (Worthington Crew Juniors and Phoenix ing youth development system, made up Soccer Business Development, while Techni- Crew Juniors), a Cincinnati affiliate (CUP of the Crew Soccer Academy (CSA) and cal Director Brian Bliss is heavily involved in Crew Juniors) and a regional partner in Mich- Crew Juniors, is the belief that the long-range youth development, in addition to the senior igan, the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors, which success of the program is critical to the team. has enjoyed national success. Importantly, growth of soccer in the United States in gen- Major League Soccer charted new each affiliate shares the same vision, philoso- eral, and to the Crew in particular. Soccer territory among major professional sports phy, curriculum and commitment to coaching America has recognized the club’s efforts by leagues in the U.S. in 2006 by launching continuing education - along with access to ranking it No. 8 in the country in its annual a league-mandated youth development Crew coaches, players, and facilities. youth club rankings in 2010, up from No. 23 initiative that enables - and incentivizes - The Crew Juniors base provides the in both 2008 and 2009. teams to acquire, outside of the annual MLS opportunity to progress to the Crew Soccer Directed by VP of Soccer Business SuperDraft, top young players that they’ve Academy teams. Those teams are fully Development Andrew Arthurs, CSA and developed from their respective home territo- funded through the club’s ownership group Crew Juniors are committed to creating an ries, which is the State of Ohio in the Crew’s - from coaching to gear, travel, accommoda- unparalleled environment for young players case. tions and meals. With access to such by providing a truly unique experience and Crew Juniors is the critical base of the facilities as Crew Stadium and the Crew aspirational model that includes access to club’s youth development pyramid, which Training Center at Obetz, along with a the finest coaches, competition and facilities consists of boys and girls teams from U-8 national caliber coaching staff, the goal is to in the country. Former Crew midfielder Billy through U-20. provide the finest player development oppor- Thompson serves as Crew Juniors Director Given the size of the Crew’s home ter- tunity to up to the best 30 players in the state of Coaching, James Field is Phoenix Crew ritory, its model includes two local affiliates of Ohio in each age group, regardless of economic standing. They follow a schedule and system designed to replicate the senior team as much as possible, and participate in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. In 2010, the club completed a remark- able double, winning National Champion- ships at both the U-19 (McGuire Cup) and U-20 (USL Super-20 League) levels. In 2008, the 17/18s won their region with the fourth- best record in the nation and went unbeaten at the U.S. Development Academy National Finals, ultimately finishing third. Dozens of Crew youth players have progressed to the collegiate ranks, and two were accorded prestigious national honors in 2010. Andrew Souders was named NSCAA/People to People Boys Youth Player of the Year and Wil Trapp was named NSCAA Boys High School Player of the Year. Many of the players who have helped these teams succeed were developed by top local coaches and clubs and the Crew recognizes their critical role in developing players who can succeed at the Develop- ment Academy level. Youth soccer in the United States is changing rapidly and MLS and U.S. Soccer are committed to aligning and sharing their resources to enhance the quality of the player development process. The Crew’s youth programs are positioned to be an innovative leader as that national landscape evolves. More information on the Crew’s youth development programs can be found at TheCrewYouth.com.
The Crew Juniors U-19s hoist the prestigious McGuire Cup in July 2010, celebrating the first of two national championships for the club that summer.
THE CREW
14 COLUMBUS CREW TEAM HISTORY The Beginning too much to overcome and the Black & Gold In addition to player movement, the On June 15, 1994, Columbus, Ohio, were eliminated in three games. Crew’s search for a stadium of its own was introduced as the first of 10 inaugural Crew fans were also winners in 1996, continued to be a hot topic and a high Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs. With as they were voted “best fans in the league” priority. In May of 1997, the Crew witnessed more than 11,500 season ticket deposits and by USA Today. In its first season, the Crew the fall of Issue 1, a Franklin County proposal plans to build a soccer-specific stadium, the averaged 18,950 per game and drew its that would have provided the team with a decision to award a team to Ohio’s capital single-game record crowd of 31,550 to the downtown home. Then, on Feb. 10, 1998, city was an easy one. Sept. 15 regular-season finale, which ended City of Dublin voters rejected a proposal that Exactly four years and 11 months later, in a 2-0 victory over the MetroStars. would have provided a home for the Crew in on May 15, 1999, the Crew forever etched In addition to being the best fans, the their suburban community. its place in American sports history by chris- “Crew Experience” was graded an outstand- With renovations at Ohio Stadium tening Columbus Crew Stadium, the country’s ing entertainment value by Gentleman As- scheduled to begin after the 1998 season, first major-league stadium built specifically sociates, an Indianapolis-based research firm “America’s Hardest Working Team” was for soccer. A standing-room only crowd of that conducted such surveys in 1996. confronting its biggest challenge to date: 24,741 looked on as the Crew defeated finding a new home for 1999. New England, 2-0, in what was hailed by 1997: First Appearance in the Conference Finals So the most exciting news of 1998 had then-MLS Commisioner Doug Logan as a The Crew kicked off its second season to be when the Ohio Expositions Commis- “relaunching of the league.” in March of 1997. Another up-and-down sion voted 6-2 to approve the land lease In fact, the Crew has left behind a legacy season saw The Crew advance to the East- for a soccer-specific stadium on the grounds of firsts on its way to establishing itself as one ern Conference Finals, where it fell to D.C. of the Ohio Expo Center on May 12. The of the top organizations in Major League United, which went on to claim its second new stadium site cleared its last hurdle when Soccer, both on and off the field. MLS Cup title in as many seasons. then-Governor George Voinovich gave the Born of the legacy of the 1994 World New to the team in 1997 were U.S. project his stamp of approval on June 9. The Cup held in the United States, Major League National Team regulars Thomas Dooley Crew and its fans would finally have a home Soccer has harnessed the momentum of and Mike Lapper. Along with Friedel, they to call their own. what is widely considered to have been the formed the backbone of one of the league’s Plans for the site were officially unveiled most successful World Cup in history. Not top defenses. on July 7 and the groundbreaking on August only is MLS establishing itself as the fifth The Crew completed the first two 14 featured then-MLS Commissioner Doug major professional sports league in America, months of the season in first place, before Logan, who announced that the Crew would but it also strives to create and sustain a a mid-season slide knocked it to fourth. host not only the MLS All-Star Game in style of soccer that is both entertaining and Consistent with the team’s hard-working im- 2000, but the MLS Cup in 2001. competitive on an international level. age, Columbus was able to rebound late in On the field, another new mix of players the year, placing it in playoff contention. As would prove vital to the team’s success in 1996: Building The Foundation the playoff race intensified, so did the Crew’s 1998, with the most significant addition The Crew’s foundation began to take play, as Coach Fitzgerald’s squad captured being Stern John, a Trinidad & Tobago star shape on February 6, 1996, when Colum- victories in three of its final four games. The who captured A-League Rookie of the Year bus selected Brian McBride, a two-time All- late run vaulted Columbus into third place in honors in 1997. American forward from Saint Louis University, the Eastern Conference, up one spot from its The Crew was well represented at the with the first overall selection in the Inaugural finish in 1996. 1998 World Cup in France, placing five MLS Draft. The Crew’s first-round series was a re- players in the world’s largest sporting event. Joining McBride on the first Crew match of the previous year, but the result was Thomas Dooley, Brian McBride, Juergen roster was the team’s first allocated player, dramatically different. The Crew turned the Sommer and Brian Maisonneuve were all international superstar Doctor Khumalo, tables on the second-seeded Mutiny, gaining named to the U.S. National Team, while arguably the most famous player ever to play a measure of revenge for their first-round then-Crew midfielder Andy Williams played for South Africa, and Brian Maisonneuve, the defeat in 1996 with a two-game sweep of for his native Jamaica. Dooley captained the 1994 Hermann Trophy winner from Indiana Tampa Bay. American squad, while McBride headed University. The upset gave the Crew its first ever home the U.S.’s lone goal of the competition Playing its home matches at historic Ohio playoff series victory and set the stage for in a 2-1 loss to Iran. Stadium, the Crew kicked off its inaugural the Eastern Conference Finals against D.C. The Crew’s contributions to France ‘98 season at “The Horseshoe” against D.C. United. meant Columbus had to rely heavily on its United in front of a crowd of 25,266. Using The Conference Finals were a different depth, as the international players trained for two McBride goals and great goalkeeping story, as defending champ United put an and traveled to France through the heart of from Bo Oshoniyi, the Black & Gold cruised end to the Crew’s second MLS campaign, the Crew’s MLS schedule. In their absence, to the first victory in team history, blanking winning the series 2 games to 0. Columbus went 3-4, with two of the losses United 4-0. coming via shootouts, and managed to stay The team’s first season was a roller- 1998: A Soccer Stadium On The Horizon in third place. coaster ride that saw the Crew endure the As the 1998 season approached, the Using an array of lineups, the Crew even- resignation of head coach Timo Liekoski 22 Crew’s offseason was highlighted by player tually overtook the MetroStars for second games into season. Despite that, the Crew movement and the anticipation of plans for a place with a 3-0 victory over L.A. on Aug. was able to rally and go 9-1 in its last 10 new stadium. 29. The team would later make a charge for games under interim coach Tom Fitzgerald. Perhaps the biggest change was star first, before settling for a second place finish, Joining Fitzgerald as a catalyst for the stretch goalkeeper Brad Friedel’s departure to Liv- which secured home-field advantage in the run was goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who went erpool of the English Premier League. More playoffs for the first time. 8-1 down the stretch. With the late-season than adequate replacements were found Crew players also excelled on an indi- surge, the Crew earned its first playoff berth. though, as U.S. National Team goalkeeper vidual basis in 1998, including Budweiser On Sept. 25, the Crew hosted its Juergen Sommer was lured from his English Scoring Champion Stern John, who emerged first-ever playoff game, dropping a 2-0 club team, Queens Park Rangers, and Mark decision to the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Although Dougherty, MLS’s all-time wins leader enter- Columbus rallied to win Game 2, the ing the 1998 season, was brought in from Mutiny’s home-field advantage proved to be Tampa Bay.
15 from the pack with a late-season explosion minutes, meaning that one of America’s most round upset. The Crew had other intentions to finish the season with a league-high 57 important soccer spectacles sold out more though, as a two-goal game by John and a points, on 26 goals and five assists. than a month in advance. three-point game by Brian West made quick Playing in his third straight MLS All-Star Clearly, Crew Stadium’s opening was the work of the upstart Mutiny. Game, McBride claimed the game’s MVP soccer story of the year in 1999. Some 39 Another rematch with D.C. United in the award, notching one goal and adding two publications ran more than 80 stories on the Eastern Conference Finals was set, meaning assists for the USA All-Stars in the first half. stadium and its Inaugural Game. Those ar- that the Crew would need at least one win Following the All-Star game, McBride again ticles reached an audience of more than 40 at RFK Stadium, where it was winless in its displayed his knack for spectacular finishes million readers, creating an estimated value previous 11 visits. by taking home the MasterCard Goal of the of more than $700,000 in advertising. A late goal by Cunningham in Game Year award for his acrobatic sidewinding About the only thing which could have 1 was not enough to overcome a steady full-volley goal in a 3-0 win over Chicago ruined the May 15 home opener would have performance by United, which coasted to a July 9 at Ohio Stadium. been a Crew loss. Forward Jeff Cunningham 2-1 win. Back in Columbus, United quickly Much like the regular season, the 1998 put those fears to rest in the game’s 10th gained the upper hand in Game 2, stunning playoffs provided Crew fans with plenty of minute however, when he rocketed an eight- the Crew Stadium crowd with a seventh- excitement. Columbus swept the MetroStars yard blast past New England goalkeeper minute goal that gave D.C. a 1-0 lead. in the first round, completing the sweep in Walter Zenga for the stadium’s first goal. The Crew’s fortunes took a positive turn in dramatic fashion when Juergen Sommer The overflow crowd of 24,741 rose to their the 20th minute, when Ansil Elcock knotted knocked away the final shootout attempt to feet and Columbus rode the momentum to the score at 1-1, and a brilliant goal by Cun- give the Crew a 2-1 victory on the road at a 2-0 win. ningham just prior to halftime seemed to put Giants Stadium. Although the Crew wouldn’t go unde- United on its heels. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the feated in their new home, it did help spark In what would be his final home game at Crew met a familiar foe in two-time defend- the team to a club best 19-13 record. Crew Crew Stadium, John gave the Crew faithful ing MLS champ D.C. United. After falling fans also took a liking to the new venue, and perhaps the most fitting farewell possible, in the opening game, Columbus returned with an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 19,000 blitzing United for a second-half hat trick home for the last MLS game ever played for the regular-season home finale, Columbus which eased Columbus to a 5-1 win. Despite at Ohio Stadium. A torrential downpour (MLS’s smallest market) surged past L.A. to his impending departure to Nottingham For- failed to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm or capture the 1999 MLS attendance champi- est of the English First Division (announced on bog down the Crew offense, as McBride onship with an average home attendance Nov. 15), his feat that day merely reinforced exploded for his second two-goal game of of 17,696. the fact that John would remain a Crew the playoffs. Columbus cruised to a 4-2 vic- On the field, there were many stories to legend for years to come. tory, snapping United’s MLS-record 13-game follow in 1999, not the least of which was But Game 3 would not feature such a sto- playoff win streak and forcing the series to the play of goalkeeper Mark Dougherty and rybook ending, as United and a RFK throng a decisive third game in the process. But the Crew defense, which posted the lowest of more than 21,000 fans were too much for United would prevail in Game 3, riding the GAA in the Eastern Conference. the Crew to overcome. United would take momentum of a raucous RFK Stadium crowd Dougherty recorded his milestone 50th the deciding game 4-0, en route to its third of over 20,000 to a 3-0 win. career victory, 4-2, Aug. 18 against the MLS Cup Championship. Yet another 1998 storyline was the MetroStars at Giants Stadium. For his out- Crew’s run in the U.S. Open Cup. After ad- standing play and consistency, he also was 2000: New Look For League, New Heights for vancing to the final through preliminary round recognized as the Crew’s Most Valuable Crew Stadium games during the summer, the championship Player and BIC Defender of the Year at the MLS’s fifth year arrived with an array of match against the Chicago Fire in Virginia end of the season. new looks instituted by new MLS Commis- Beach was postponed because of Hurricane Also in 1999, defender Mike Clark be- sioner Don Garber. The most significant – Bonnie. The match was rescheduled for Oct. came the first Crew player to appear in 100 and most hailed – changes were the elimina- 30 at Soldier Field in Chicago. On a soggy games for the Black & Gold, while Brian tion of both the shootout and the game clock night in the Windy City, the Crew was McBride notched his 100th career point by that counted down from 45 minutes. welcomed by nearly 19,000 fans waiting heading home corner kicks in the 76th and For the first time in 2000, MLS games to welcome home their newly crowned MLS 81st minutes of a 2-1 win over the Miami could end in ties and official match time was champions. A valiant Crew effort would Fusion on Sept. 26. kept on the field by the referee, bringing the fall just short, when the Fire’s Frank Klopas Unfortunately for the Crew’s opponents, league’s rules more in line with the rest of the scored the game-winner in sudden-death Stern John, the team’s Trinidadian super world. Realignment created three four-team overtime, giving Chicago a 2-1 win and striker was also back in the mix for Columbus divisions, replacing the two six-team confer- ending the Crew’s 1998 campaign. in 1999. MLS’s 1998 Budweiser Scoring ences, and “MLS ExtraTime,” ESPN2’s weekly Champion managed to shake off a slight news and highlights program, debuted. 1999: A Historic Season slump in the early going to post an 18-goal Columbus opened the season with many As it waited for the May 1999 opening season, which featured two hat tricks among familiar faces, along with a few new ones. of Crew Stadium, the team and front office four mutli-goal games and a game-tying Defender/midfielders Mike Duhaney (the spent January, February, March and April goal in the final seconds of a shootout win 1997 MLS Rookie of the Year, acquired preparing to make history and change the against San Jose. John would later end his in a trade from the MetroStars for Thomas perception of soccer in the United States. two-year stint Dooley) and Mario Gori, a member of D.C. For Fitzgerald and company that entailed with The Crew having amassed an astonish- United’s 1996 and 1997 MLS Cup champi- playing the first seven games of the season ing 52 goals in 65 MLS onship squads joined the fold and veteran on the road before even playing a minute in appearances. forward Dante Washington returned to the team’s new home. Remarkably, the team The Crew’s hot start, with a Columbus after a three-game stint in 1996. emerged from the extended road trip with a 10-2 combined record against the West, All Washington did was put together one 5-2 record and sole possesion of first place enabled the team to occupy sole possession of the best offensive seasons in Crew history, in the Eastern Conference. of second place from May 29 through Sept. with 39 points on a career-high 15 goals Meanwhile, back in central Ohio, Crew 18, when Columbus clinched second place and nine assists. Veteran midfielder Robert fans snatched up an MLS-record 9,282 with a 1-0 shootout win at New England. Warzycha also fashioned the best season season tickets, breaking the team’s old A familiar foe awaited the Crew in the of his MLS career with six goals and a then- league record of 9,078 set in 1996. The Eastern Conference semifinals, as Columbus team-record 13 assists for 25 points to earn final 1,000 single-game tickets for Crew was matched against an improved Tampa the Crew’s Honda MVP award. Stadium’s Inaugural Game sold out in eight Bay side that seemed primed to pull a first-
THE CREW
16 But none of it was enough to keep Co- had Columbus reeling. And D.C. did indeed ment, with the Crew reentering the Eastern lumbus from falling short in its bid to qualify equalize just two minutes after the second Conference. for postseason play again, and the Crew ejection. Those changes, made with the league’s was on the outside looking in as the playoffs Columbus dug in from there, though, long-term strength and stability in mind, fol- began for the first time ever. and in epic fashion forced overtime, where lowed the announcement on Dec. 6, 2001 It didn’t help that Brian McBride (U.S.) Jeff Cunningham one-timed a John Harkes that MLS investors committed to funding and and Ansil Elcock (Trinidad & Tobago) missed corner kick past United keeper Mike Am- operating the league for the next five years, significant time for 2002 World Cup qualify- mann from the middle of the box in the 99th through the 2006 season. ing and that McBride, along with a host of minute. That golden goal with a minute But for Crew fans, 2002 will go down others, were bitten by the injury bug. left in overtime, 32 minutes into a two-man in history as the year their beloved Black & But the 2000 season will be remem- disadvantage, capped the most improbable Gold finally won a championship. bered for many things, among them War- victory in Crew history and charted a remark- On October 24, the Crew defeated the zycha scoring the first-ever regular-season able course for the club that would see it newly crowned MLS Cup-champion L.A. golden goal in MLS history to defeat San go 12-4-4 in 20 games under Andrulis to Galaxy, 1-0, in the U.S. Open Cup final at Jose 2-1 in the home opener; the emergence finish 13-7-6. Crew Stadium, to claim the prestigious piece of Brian West, who came into his own in his Along the way, the Crew fashioned a of hardware. The U.S. Open Cup is the old- third season in the league; Matt Napoleon’s nine-game unbeaten streak, going 7-0-2 est soccer tournament in America. trip to Australia as the alternate goalie on the between July 4 and Aug. 19, went unbeaten Freddy Garcia’s 30th-minute goal and U.S. Men’s Olympic Team; and the gritty, in its last 11 regular-season home games Jon Busch’s four-save shutout brought glory to hard-nosed play of Gori and defender Mike (7-0-4), matched its all-time high point total Columbus. With the Open Cup title came a Clark. (45) in six fewer games and experienced a berth in the 2003 CONCACAF Champions Most of all, 2000 will be remembered 13.3 percent rise in attendance (to 17,511 Cup. as the year Crew Stadium played host to per game). The Crew had advanced to the final in its first MLS All-Star Game and World Cup Individually, forward Jeff Cunningham dramatic and improbable fashion, coming qualifying match. Standing-room-only crowds had a superlative season, becoming the back from a two-goal deficit midway through packed the stadium on both occasions – with first player in Crew history to record double- the second half to defeat the K.C. Wizards 23,495 on hand for the July 29 All-Star figure totals in both goals (10) and assists 3-2 in overtime at Crew Stadium in the Game and 24,430 for the U.S-Costa Rica (13) and setting a new club mark with an semifinals. qualifier on Oct. 11 – further cementing eight-game point streak, while playmaking Edson Buddle got Columbus on the Crew Stadium’s important place on the U.S. midfielder John Wilmar Perez dished out a board in the 76th minute and second-half soccer landscape. then-team-record and league-lead-tying 15 substitute John Wilmar Perez scored the assists. game-tying goal two minutes into second-half 2001: Coaching Change, Change in Fortunes The return of midfielder Brian Maison- stoppage time, then banged in the winner The Crew’s sixth season was marked in neuve was also a key factor in the Crew’s 18 minutes into overtime. the early going by just the second coaching turnaround. After missing the entire 2000 Following an up-and-down 11-12-5 change in club history, but that change season with a series of devastating ankle regular season, the Crew peaked at the right sparked a major turnaround which propelled injuries and surgeries, Maisonneuve made a time, sweeping the defending-champion San Columbus back into the MLS Cup playoffs remarkable comeback in 2001, getting stron- Jose Earthquakes in the MLS Cup quarterfi- after a one-year absence. ger and stronger as the season progressed nals and advancing to the league semifinals The Crew was full of optimism entering and ultimately being named the MLS Player for the fourth time in seven seasons, but the season, adopting the motto “Destiny of the Month for August. for the first time since 1999. The Black & 2001” as a rallying cry to reach MLS Cup Like every other team in the league, the Gold ultimately fell in three games to New 2001, which would be played at Crew regular season ended abruptly for the Crew, England. Stadium on Oct. 21. when the final week was cancelled in the Dazzling forward Jeff Cunningham New arrivals Tom Presthus, a champion- aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on established new career highs in goals (16) ship goalkeeper acquired in a draft-day New York City and Washington, D.C. That and points (37) and was named to the trade with D.C. United, Tenywa Bonseu, a left Columbus two games shy of completing MLS Pepsi Best 11, while young midfielder Ugandan international defender acquired via the 28-game season, which had been Kyle Martino was a revelation, winning the Allocation, and 2002 MLS SuperDraft picks adopted for the first time in 2001. league’s Rookie of the Year Award, a first for Duncan Oughton and Edson Buddle joined a The Crew entered the playoffs as the a Crew player. solid returning nucleus to fuel the optimism. No. 4 seed and was drawn against the fifth- While Brian McBride was in Korea/ But following a 1-3-2 start, which made seeded San Jose Earthquakes, who sported Japan helping the U.S. to an unexpected its record 1-8-2 in its last 11 matches stretch- an identical 13-7-6 record. Unfortunately for quarterfinal finish at the 2002 FIFA World ing back to the end of the 2000 season, the Andrulis’ troops, they ran into a team peak- Cup, more than 27,000 people flocked to Crew dismissed head coach Tom Fitzgerald ing at the right time and the Quakes used Crew Stadium to view the televised action at – who had been at the helm since Aug. their 2 games to 0 (6 points to 0) series win “Cup Headquarters.” 1996 – and replaced him on an interim as a springboard to their first MLS Cup title, Over 7,500 fans were on hand for the basis with his top assistant, Greg Andrulis, which they won at Crew Stadium over the U.S.’s quarterfinal match vs. Germany and on May 17. L.A. Galaxy in overtime. the success of “Cup Headquarters” garnered Two nights later, on May 19, the Andrulis At the conclusion of the season, Andrulis national media attention, including a feature era commenced with a bang at Crew was rewarded with a two-year contract ex- in the June 11, edition of USA Today, live Stadium, though the new coach could hardly tension and General Manager Jim Smith was mentions by ESPN play-by-play announcers have imagined that his debut would turn named the MLS Executive of the Year. Jack Edwards and JP Dellacamera during out to be one of the most dramatic games different matches, and prominent mentions, in Crew history. With old rival D.C. United 2002: Champions at last! accompanied by video footage, on the June in town, Brian McBride gave Columbus a Major changes at the league level 17 edition of ESPN2’s nightly news and 1-0 lead in the 25th minute, energizing the ushered in 2002. The MLS Board of Gover- highlight show “World Cup 2Night.” crowd of 18,491. nors voted unanimously to contract by two In addition to the huge crowd on June The Crew maintained its advantage into teams on Jan. 8, following a comprehensive 21, the U.S.-Germany viewing party was the second half, but that’s when the wheels strategic review of the league’s operations, appeared to fall off. Two red-card ejections and the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay in a span of eight minutes – Ansil Elcock in Mutiny ceased operations immediately. MLS the 59th minute and Bonseu in the 67th – returned to a 10-team, two-conference align-
17 attended by cameras from CBS’s “The Early 2004: The Streak, the Shield 2005: Promising Season Derailed Show,” which also sent a correspondent; The Crew took the field with a decidedly As defending Supporters Shield winners ABC’s Good Morning America,” and NBC’s different look in 2004, after missing the with a largely unchanged roster, The Crew “Today Show,” both of which did live look-ins playoffs in 2003, and the dramatically entered its 10th season with high hopes. But throughout the match. rebuilt roster put together a historic season. a series of debilitating injuries derailed those The 2002 season also saw it’s share of Following a slow start, the Crew did not aspirations and by the time it was over, head milestones, as longtime Crew stalwarts Mark lose a game after June 26 in compiling the coach Greg Andrulis had lost his job and the Dougherty, Todd Yeagley, Mike Lapper and longest unbeaten streak in MLS history. club finished out of the playoffs for just the Robert Warzycha all retired, while veteran The 18-game unbeaten run (8-0-10) third time in its history. forwards McBride and Dante Washington lasted through the end of the regular season Despite the fact that important veterans both reached the 50-goal plateau for their and culminated in the club’s first-ever Sup- Ross Paule (post-concussion syndrome/retire- MLS careers. porters Shield – awarded to the team with ment) and Duncan Oughton (knee surgery) the top overall regular-season record – and had already been lost for the season during 2003: End of an Era first regular-season Eastern Conference title. the preseason, the Crew opened the season The 2003 season will be remembered, The Crew finished 12-5-13, for 49 points, by extending its MLS-record regular-season among other reasons, for being Brian establishing new franchise records for most unbeaten streak to 19 games (9-0-10) with a McBride’s and Mike Clark’s last in Black points and fewest losses in a season and 3-0 win over L.A. & Gold. head coach Greg Andrulis was named MLS But the Crew won just three more times On the field, an improbable succession Coach of the Year. over the course of the first half of the season, of injuries and national team call-ups to key Unfortunately, the Crew’s good fortune struggling to a 4-10-2 mark a the midway players turned an extremely promising start ran out in the playoffs, when it dropped a point, and Andrulis was relieved of his duties into a disappointing season. In the end, the two-game, total-goals Eastern Conference and replaced in an interim basis by assistant Crew missed the playoffs for just the second Semifinal series to New England, by a 2-1 coach Robert Warzycha. In the meantime, time in club history. aggregate score. Incredibly, Columbus had All-Star goalkeeper Jon Busch was lost for That was in stark contrast to the optimistic two penalty kicks saved in the return leg at the season on May 26, with a torn ACL in opening weeks of the season, when the key Crew Stadium and it saw its finest season his right knee, the club’s most prominent off- offseason additions of World Cup veteran ever end early. season acquisition, forward Ante Razov, was Frankie Hejduk and All-Star midfielder The offseason addition of veteran traded to the MetroStars for John Wolyniec Ross Paule to an already formidable lineup stalwarts Robin Fraser and Simon Elliott after wearing out his welcome and talented appeared to be paying dividends. The bolstered the lineup, as did the rapid young midfielder Danny Szetela spent weeks Crew advanced to the quarterfinals of the emergence of rookies Chad Marshall and with the U.S. Under-20 National Team, as CONCACAF Champions Cup and was Chris Wingert. Fraser, who was named MLS it prepared for and competed in the FIFA the talk of MLS in bolting to a 3-0-1 start in Defender of the Year at the conclusion of World Youth Championship in Holland. league play. the season, was instrumental in helping to After taking over on July 12, Warzycha But, ultimately, the Crew’s “Big Four” of develop Marshall, the No. 2 overall pick in guided the Crew to a very credible 7-6-3 McBride, Hejduk, goalkeeper Jon Busch and the 2004 MLS SuperDraft who went on to record in the second half of the season and midfielder Kyle Martino, were able to start be named a finalist for MLS Rookie of the he accepted the club’s offer to stay on as just 16 of the team’s 30 games together. Year honors. Sigi Schmid’s top assistant in the wake of his With them all in the starting lineup, the Crew The club’s future received another boost successful stint. went 7-4-5, but was 3-8-3 with any of them on July 22, when The Crew won the rights to Goalkeeper Jonny Walker, acquired from missing. highly sought after 17-year-old U.S. youth na- the MetroStars on July 1 to fill the void cre- With forward Edson Buddle added to tional team star Danny Szetela in a weighted ated by Busch’s injury, was a bright spot over that equation, the “Big Four” plus Buddle lottery televised live on ESPN News. the second half of the season, as were the only started 11 times together. The club’s Jon Busch continued his steady ascen- performances of a number of developmental record with those five was a gaudy 6-2-3, sion to the ranks of elite MLS goalkeepers players – including Knox Cameron, Jamal but just 4-10-5 without one or more of them in 2004, earning a trip to his first All-Star Sutton and Eric Vasquez – given opportuni- in the lineup. Game and posting a 12-5-12 record and ties by Warzycha. Another key player, forward Jeff Cun- a 1.07 goals-against average. Fraser and Following the season, changes were ningham, battled through his own share Frankie Hejduk joined Busch at the All-Star inevitable. Among the first of many were of nagging injuries, but he did manage to Game. Edson Buddle led the way offen- the retirement of Robin Fraser, one of the reach a major milestone, becoming the 14th sively, collecting 24 points, on 11 goals and most respected and decorated defenders player in MLS history to reach the 50-goal two assists, including a club-record four-goal in league history, and the departure of mid- plateau. game on Sept. 18 against the MetroStars. fielder Simon Elliott, who joined former Crew The most dramatic moment of the season Like any other, the 2004 season was not star Brian McBride with Fulham FC of the was provided by McBride and it is sure to without change. President/General Manager English Premier League after establishing a remain among the most lasting images he left Jim Smith left the club in July to accept an ex- club record by playing every minute of every with Crew fans. Sidelined with a respiratory ecutive position with the NFL Atlanta Falcons game and being named the team’s MVP. virus in the must-win, next-to-last game of the and Crew Stadium GM Mark McCullers season at D.C., McBride came of the bench succeeded him as General Manager. Jeff in the 62nd minute and proceeded to score Cunningham’s 62nd and final goal in Black two goals, including the game-winner in the & Gold tied him with Brian McBride atop the final minute of overtime, to give Columbus a club’s all-time list, before he was traded to dramatic 3-2 win and keep the club’s playoff Colorado during the offseason. And after the hopes alive for another week. season, the last active player from the inau- During the offseason, McBride, the gural 1996 campaign, Brian Maisonneuve, personification of the Crew since its incep- announced his retirement after battling ankle tion, was transferred to Fulham F.C. of the injuries for years. English Premier League, while Clark, another Crew original, announced his retirement, signaling the end of one era and the dawn of a new one.
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18
2006: Season Begins, Ends with Promise That deal, along with the acquisition of recognized when he became the first Crew The 2006 Columbus Crew season forward Alejandro Moreno via trade in early player to be named the MLS Most Valuable was one of both frustration and promise. A May, signaled a change in fortunes. Player. Schelotto continued his brilliant season that had been eagerly anticipated With the improving attack and return play in the MLS Cup Playoffs, in which he following the offseason hiring of highly from injury of defender Chad Marshall and registered six postseason assists, including a acclaimed head coach Sigi Schmid was goalkeeper William Hesmer to bolster the record three assists in MLS Cup 2008, and ultimately derailed under the weight of an backline, the Crew went on a six-game he was named MVP of the title match. improbable string of injuries. But by the end unbeaten streak (4-0-2) and lost only three But Schelotto was not alone in his efforts, of the year, it had provided a tantalizing times in 13 games between June 16 and as young stars Chad Marshall and Robbie glimpse of the future. Sept. 2, vaulting it back into the playoff race Rogers had breakout seasons and head The Crew got out of the gates with a 4-4- and thrusting it directly into the fight for a top coach Sigi Schmid was named MLS Coach 2 record in its first 10 games, but by the end spot in the Eastern Conference standings. of the Year. The imposing Marshall was of the season had lost a remarkable 240 Tough times would return down the honored as the MLS Defender of the Year man-games to injury – an average of 7.5 per stretch, however, as injuries and general and selected to the MLS Best XI squad at game – and the list of season-ending injuries misfortune combined to spoil the club’s run season’s end. He made an impact at the included the club’s top two goalkeepers, Jon at qualifying for the MLS playoffs. It did, offensive end, as well, notching a career-high Busch and Jonny Walker, and All-Star Frankie however, finish strong with back-to-back four goals during the regular season and two Hejduk. Five different players started in goal 3-2 victories on the road over Eastern more in the playoffs – the game-winners in over the course of the season. Conference leaders New England, an both the Eastern Conference Championship That instability was ultimately reflected in eventual MLS Cup finalist, and D.C. United, and MLS Cup. a final record of 8-15-9, but the team never the Supporters’ Shield winner. Meanwhile, Rogers collected six gave up on the season and closed with a The Crew’s final record of 9-11-10 goals and three assists while terrorizing 4-4-1 flourish in its last nine games, scoring represented a marked improvement over Crew opponents up and down the left 43 percent of its total goals in that span (13 2006. It also improved in virtually every flank. Rogers’ stellar play was recognized of 30). Included in that run were a 1-1 tie vs. offensive statistical category, including throughout the soccer community as he was eventual MLS Cup champion Houston and a scoring, with a nine-goal improvement (39- named to the MLS All-Star First XI, the U.S. 3-0 victory over runner-up New England. 30) in two fewer games. Olympic squad that competed in Beijing, The emergence of dynamic newcomers Schelotto finished the season ranked China and was a MLS Best XI selection at Ricardo Virtuoso, Jacob Thomas and Jason fourth in MLS in assists and was named the season’s end. Garey, the reigning M.A.C. Hermann Trophy club’s MVP and to the MLS Best XI, while The 2008 season will also be winner, who all shined upon regaining full Moreno was the team’s leading goal scorer remembered for the transformation of health and fitness, and the inspirational return and the league leader in fouls suffered for the atmosphere at Crew Stadium by the of veteran Duncan Oughton from experi- the third consecutive season. formation of the Nordecke in the stadium’s mental knee surgery after a nearly-two year The return to form of perennial national northeast corner. Following the construction absence to provide an emotional lift and team defender Frankie Hejduk from a serious of the permanent stage in the stadium’s north hard-nosed leadership were highlights. knee injury that sidelined him for most of end, the Crew’s three primary supporter Chilean Marcos Gonzalez, who would 2006 and the continued emergence of groups banded together in the northeast be named team MVP in his first season with Eddie Gaven and newcomer Robbie Rogers corner. The energy and excitement that the club, and Chad Marshall, 22, formed the were also bright spots during the campaign. emanated from the new location became backbone of a solid young defensive corps The biggest news off the field came one of the stories of the season – both and the midseason acquisition of Joseph on Oct. 4, when the Crew and ICI Paints locally and league-wide. Their drumbeats, Ngwenya, who tied Garey for the team announced a landmark four-year partnership chants and unbridled enthusiasm became a scoring lead with five 5 goals and 2 assists, that positions the Glidden brand as the club’s hallmark of Crew Stadium and Crew players energized the attack. Presenting Partner, the most visible evidence and coaches repeatedly cited the Nordecke Further fueling optimism for 2007 was of which is the prominent placement of the as a significant factor in the team’s success the club’s first major player-personnel move Glidden logo on the front of all Crew jerseys. at home. of the offseason, in which the Crew acquired With a dynamic young nucleus returning The dream season was capped with local product Danny O’Rourke from Toronto to sport the club’s new look in year three of a 3-1 victory over New York in MLS Cup FC. O’Rourke, a veteran of two MLS seasons the Sigi Schmid era, the future looks bright. 2008 and the team returned to a raucous spent with S.J. and N.Y., is a Worthington airport welcome and community celebration native who captained Worthington Kilbourne 2008: Magical Season Yields MLS Cup, Supporters hosted by Gov. Ted Strickland at the Ohio to the 2000 Division I state championship Shield Statehouse. and led Indiana University to the 2003 The Crew’s historic 2008 season was NCAA Men’s College Cup title. Both of one of great excitement and fulfillment, as those matches, incidentally, were played at it earned its first MLS Cup Championship Crew Stadium. following a dominant regular season in which it went 17-7-6 and won the 2007: Guille Joins Fold, Steady Progress Made Supporters’ Shield with a club-record 57 The Columbus Crew’s 2007 season was points. The Black & Gold also set new characterized by steady growth, through club marks for wins and goals (50) in the ups and downs, but will be remembered post-shootout era (since 2000). In addition, most as the one in which Argentine superstar based on points earned in the standings Guillermo Barros Schelotto was signed. per game played, the Crew’s 2008 regular Following a 1-4-5 start, two shrewd season (1.90 ppg) ranked as the fifth most personnel moves by General Manager Mark successful in MLS history. McCullers and head coach Sigi Schmid, Argentine icon Guillermo Barros including one of the most significant in club Schelotto once again powered the Crew history, got the season back on track. attack, collecting seven goals and 19 assists On April 19, the Black & Gold signed in 27 games, leading the league in assists Schelotto, one of the most successful and by a wide margin and setting a new Crew beloved players in the history of famed record for assists in a season and tying Argentine club Boca Juniors, to much fanfare. for the second most in a season in league history. His extraordinary performance was
19 2009: Warzycha takes reins, leads club to second 2010: 50 points, CCL and USOC success straight Shield, Champions League advancement The Crew got off to a terrific start in 2010 With new head coach Robert Warzycha and rolled to just the second 50-point season at the helm, the Crew successfully navigated in club history, advancing to the U.S. Open a hectic season by winning its second Cup Final and CONCACAF Champions consecutive Supporters’ Shield and League Quarterfinals along the way. But a advancing to the CONCACAF Champions first-round playoff exit left the Black & Gold League quarterfinals. feeling unfulfilled. After a sluggish start – the Crew finally The busy competitive season actually got its first win in the eighth game vs. K.C. on began prior to the regular season, with a May 9 to put the finishing touches on Crew 2009-10 Champions League Quarterfinal Stadium’s 10th Anniversary celebration – the series vs. Mexican Club Toluca in March. Black & Gold crested and sat atop the MLS The Crew gave Toluca all it could standings for weeks, suffering only one loss handle, coming from behind to earn a 2-2 between April 5 and Aug. 30. draw at home and falling just short on the Following a 2-1 setback at Dallas June road, with Toluca eking out a 3-2 victory. 20, which ended a nine-game unbeaten Unbeaten through its first eight regular- streak, the Crew would not lose again for season games (6-0-2), the Crew finished more than two months, compiling a 6-0-2 14-8-8 in league play, but was eliminated mark that included three consecutive shutouts from the playoffs by the eventual MLS Cup- heading into mid-August and Champions champion Colorado Rapids in a penalty kick League play. shootout. It went 4-2-0 in the 2010-11 CCL Despite numerous injuries (including Group Stage and 3-1-0 in Open Cup play, Schelotto missing almost two months with in which it fell to host Seattle, 2-1, before a a hamstring strain), national team call-ups record crowd of 31,311 in the Final. and suspensions, Warzycha kept the team The Crew was the only MLS club to rolling by giving some of the role players qualify for the playoffs, while advancing opportunities. to both the CCL Quarterfinals and Open A 2-0 home victory over the Puerto Rico Cup Final. Islanders on Aug. 18 kicked off the Crew’s Goalkeeper William Hesmer started all first foray into the Champions League, and 32 regular-season games and became the the six-match group stage, and a 1-1 tie at club’s all-time career leader in wins and Puerto Rico secured advancement into the shutouts, while Andy Gruenebaum was in net competition’s quarterfinal round. In between, for all 10 CCL and Open Cup matches. Columbus also became the first MLS club The Black & Gold was led offensively to win at Saprissa of Costa Rica’s Estadio by Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s nine goals Ricardo Saprissa (known as “The Monster’s and eight assists, and big center back Chad Cave”). Marshall once again anchored the defense. The Crew extended its league-record Both were MLS All-Star First XI selections and unbeaten streak to 22 games on Sept. 26, started the All-Star Game vs. Manchester with a 2-0 win over L.A. and ultimately United in July. finished the the season with a 13-7-10 record The Crew continued its dominance at and league-best 49 points, to clinch the third home, crafting a 10-3-2 record at Crew Supporters’ Shield in club history. Stadium during the regular season, bringing Unfortunately, the Black & Gold ran its home record over the last three seasons into a red-hot Real Salt Lake squad – which to 30-7-8. went on to win MLS Cup – in the Eastern The 2010 season will also be Conference Semifinals, where its own dream remembered as being the last in Black & of repeating as MLS Cup champions ended. Gold for club legends Schelotto, Frankie The Crew established a new club record Hejduk and Duncan Oughton. for fewest goals allowed in a season, with 31, and Chad Marshall was named MLS Defender of the Year and Best XI for the second straight season.
THE CREW
20 IMPORTANT DATES IN CREW HISTORY 1993 ments to air eight Crew matches. in its first-ever international exhibition match. Dec. 17 - In fulfillment of U.S. Soccer’s promise to June 4 - Crew signs its first discovery option June 3 - U.S. National Team veteran Mike Lapper FIFA, Alan Rothenberg announces the formation player, Polish international Robert Warzycha. signs with Crew and MLS. of Major League Soccer. June 24 - Brian McBride is selected to the first June 5 - Crew’s first Project-40 player, Ubusuku annual MLS Soccer All-Star game to be held Abukusumo, is assigned. 1994 on July 14 at Giants Stadium. June 5 - Ohio State and the Crew sign a lease June 15 - The city of Columbus is awarded one June 28 - Columbus receives its fifth allocation extension through the 1998 season. of the 10 inaugural clubs in Major League when Argentine defender Ricardo Iribarren is July 9 - Brian McBride scores the game-winning Soccer (MLS). assigned to the Crew. goal with two minutes left in the MLS All-Star Aug. 2 - With the Crew in fifth place with a Game at Giants Stadium to give the East a 5-4 6-16 record, head coach Timo Liekoski resigns. win. Robert Warzycha also tallies for the East. 1995 Assistant coach Tom Fitzgerald is immediately Aug. 11 - Crew opens its state-of-the-art training June 8 - Lamar Hunt and Family are announced named head coach on an interim basis. center in Obetz, Ohio. as the investor-operators of the Columbus Major Aug. 7 - John Ellinger, the men’s U.S. National Oct. 8 - Columbus wins its first playoff series, League Soccer Team. “B” Team head coach, is named interim as- beating Tampa Bay 2-0 to win the series two
July 7 - Team Columbus names Jamey Rootes sistant coach. games to none and advance to its first Eastern as the team’s first general manager. Aug. 8 - Crew acquires U.S. National Team Conference Finals series.
Oct. 17 -Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka unveils goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Oct. 16 - ESPN, Inc. and MLS sign multi-year Team Columbus’ name, logo, uniform and Aug. 16 - The Village of Obetz, Ohio, is se- TV deal. ABC will air 12 games for the 1998 colors. Columbus resident Luis Orozco was the lected as the Crew’s site for its state-of-the-art season. only entrant in a month long contest to suggest training facility. Oct. 22 - Brad Friedel wins MLS Pepsi Goal- that the team be named the Columbus Crew. Sept. 15 - Crew sets the season record for keeper of the Year Award. Dec. 5 - The Columbus Crew names Timo Liekoski attendance in Columbus when 31,550 fans Nov. 17 - Then-MLS wins leader Mark Dougherty as its first head coach. come out to see it defeat the MetroStars, 2-0, is acquired from Tampa Bay in waiver draft.
Dec. 21 - MLS assigns South African National in the last regular season home game of the Team star, Theophilus “Doctor” Khumalo, to inaugural year. 1998 The Crew. The Doctor becomes Columbus’ first Sept. 25 - Crew makes its first-ever playoff ap- allocated player and first player ever. Feb. 1 - A Dublin City referendum to provide pearance, losing at home, 2-0 to Tampa Bay. a Northwest Suburban Columbus Stadium for Oct. 18 - Crew GM Jamey Rootes is recognized The Crew fails. 1996 as the league’s top executive and awarded Feb. 26 - 21-year-old Trinidad and Tobago star Jan. 4 - Tom Fitzgerald is named the Crew’s first the first-ever Major League Soccer Executive Stern John joins The Crew as a discovery player. assistant coach. of the Year award. March 11 - Crew inks television deals with
Feb. 1 - MLS assigns United States U-23 Oct. 24 - Crew officially removes the interim WSYX-Ch. 6 (ABC), WTTE Fox 28 and FOX National Team player, Brian Maisonneuve, title from Tom Fitzgerald’s name, making him Sports Ohio to air eight games. to the Crew. He becomes the Crew’s second head coach after he led the team to a 9-1 run April 4 - Crew wins its last home opener in allocated player. at the end of the season and into the playoffs. Ohio Stadium, downing two-time defending Feb. 3 - MLS assigns 1990 U.S. World Cup Nov. 19 - Gentleman Associates, an Indianapolis MLS Champion D.C. United 2-1. veteran and United States National Team based research company, grades the “Crew April 18 - In first game against expansion Miami, veteran Brian Bliss to the Crew. Bliss becomes Experience” as outstanding after conducting Stern John scores his first career MLS goal in the Crew’s third allocated player. surveys during the inaugural season. the 48th minute, then explodes for two more, Feb. 4 - MLS assigns Uruguayan National Team Dec. 12 - Greg Andrulis, formerly the Crew’s giving him his first career hat trick in a 5-1 win. player, Adrian Paz, to Columbus as its fourth goalkeeper coach, is named assistant coach, May 5 - U.S. National Team Head Coach Steve allocated player. The Crew is awarded the first filling the void left by the departure of Ellinger. Sampson selects Crew players Brian McBride, pick in the first-ever MLS Player Draft. Thomas Dooley, Juergen Sommer, and Brian Feb. 6 - Major League Soccer conducts its first 1997 Maisonneuve to U.S. National Team for the player draft in New York City. Brian McBride, Feb. 24 - The Crew and MLS re-sign goalkeeper 1998 World Cup in France. a two-time All-American from St. Louis, is the first Brad Friedel. May 15 - The Ohio Expositions Commission votes overall player selected by Columbus. March 5 - Crew becomes first MLS team to land 6-2 to approve the form and content of a land March 4 - The MLS supplemental and college a local network television affiliate, as WTTE Fox lease to build a soccer-specific stadium on the drafts are held. With the 10th pick of the first 28 signs on to televise games. SportsChannel grounds of the Ohio Expo Center. round of the supplemental draft, the Crew Ohio would also televise games. May 18 - The State of Ohio Controlling Board selects 1990 and 1994 U.S. World Cup March 18 - Columbus plays in the first “Dayton approves the lease. veteran Paul Caligiuri. Cup for Charity” vs. K.C. at Centerville Soc- May 19 - Crew announces plans for the construc- March 6 - Crew opens preseason training camp cer Stadium. tion of the country’s first-ever soccer-specific in Dublin, Ohio, at Soccer First at SportsOhio, April 9 - MLS announces that Chicago and stadium, on the grounds of the Ohio Expo unveils its local investors and announces that Miami will join the league as expansion Center. The 25-year lease paves the way for 1460 WBNS Radio has been named the teams in 1998. construction of a 22,500 seat stadium. NBBJ team’s radio station. April 16 - The Crew’s official website, www. is the architect on the project. March 13 - Spring training opens in Boca Raton, TheCrew.com, is unveiled. May 28 - The Ohio Expositions Commission Fla., for 10 days of preseason training and May 1 - Brian McBride signs a four-year deal approves the site. scrimmages. with MLS. June 4 - The second to last signature required April 13 - Crew’s inaugural game against D.C. May 3 - Thomas Dooley, U.S. National Team for the lease’s approval is signed by the Ohio United results in a 4-0 victory in front of a star, signs with MLS and the Crew. Dept. of Administrative Services. crowd of 25,266. The first goal in club history May 6 - Issue 1, a Franklin County vote to June 9 - Gov. George Voinovich signs the is an 18th-minute own goal and Brian McBride raise taxes .5 % for a downtown arena and lease, paving the way for the construction of becomes the first Crew player to find the back stadium, fails. the country’s first major-league stadium built of the net, in the 29th minute. May 14 - Crew defeats English Premier League May 17 - SportsChannel Ohio, SportsChannel opponent Leeds United, 2-1, at Ohio Stadium Chicago and local station WB53 sign agree-
21 specifically for soccer. March 15 - The Columbus Crew Stadium lights Tournament in honor of his contributions to June 14 - Rookie Andy Williams makes his first go on for the first time. soccer in the United States. World Cup appearance for the Jamaican April 10 - One thousand Crew single-game tickets Sept. 21 - Brian McBride signs a multi-year National team in a 3-1 loss to Croatia. for the Inaugural Game at Crew Stadium sell contract that will keep him in Columbus through June 21 - Forward Brian McBride scores the out in eight minutes. the 2002 World Cup. lone U.S. goal of the ’98 World Cup in a April 20 - Crew travels to Cincinnati to play its Sept. 26 - Brian McBride becomes the first Crew 2-1 loss to Iran. A-League affiliate, the Cincinnati Riverhawks, player and the 14th player in MLS history to July 7 - Crew edges the Rochester Raging raising over $15,000 for tornado relief eclipse the 100-career-point plateau after scor- Rhinos, 2-1, in sudden-death overtime in the after a tornado had torn through the greater- ing two goals in a 2-1 home win over Miami. Crew’s first-ever U.S. Open Cup Match. Todd Cincinnati area. The win also set a new team mark for wins in Yeagley tallies the game-winning goal in the May 4 - Crew holds its first official practice at a season with 19. 103rd minute. the new stadium. Oct. 3 - Crew Stadium hosts the U.S. Women’s July 7 - Preliminary plans for Columbus Crew May 8 - City, county, and state officials kick off National Team in the opening double header Stadium are unveiled at the Ohio Expo Center. Crew Week IV with a Crew Stadium Open of the 1999 Nike U.S. Women’s Cup. July 16 - Crew’s Brian McBride and Thomas House, the first-ever event in the new stadium. Oct. 10 - With a crowd of 18,979 in the final Dooley are voted as starters for the USA MLS May 14 - U.S. Soccer announces that Crew regular-season home game vs. Chicago, All-Stars for the 1998 MLS All-Star game in Stadium will be the site for the 1999 U.S. Open Columbus finishes the season with the top Orlando. Cup Championship. home attendance in the league, averaging Aug. 2 - Crew forward Brian McBride becomes May 15 - Crew Founder Lamar Hunt receives 17,696 per game. first Crew player to be named MVP of the MLS N a t i o n a l S o c c e r H a l l o f F a m e ’s M e d a l o f H o n o r. Oct. 12 - Crew and MLS unveil official 2000 All-Star Game, as he registered a goal and two May 15 - Crew Stadium, the first stadium built MLS All-Star Game logo. assists in the first half of the MLS USA All-Stars’ specifically for soccer in the U.S., hosts its Nov. 13 - The Black & Gold fall one game short 6-1 victory over the MLS World All-Stars. inaugural game as the Crew downs New Eng- of MLS Cup, losing the decisive Game 3 of the Aug. 14 - The most significant date in U.S. Soc- land, 2-0, before a sold-out crowd of 24,741. Eastern Finals, 4-0, at D.C United. cer history occurs in Columbus, as the Crew Jeff Cunningham scores the first goal in Crew Nov. 15 - Crew and MLS announce that Stern breaks ground on a 22,500-seat soccer-specific Stadium history beating Revs goalkeeper Walter John has been sold to Nottingham Forest of the stadium. MLS Commissioner Doug Logan an- Zenga in the 10th minute. Stern John adds the English First Division. nounces that the new stadium will host the MLS second goal in the 59th minute. Nov. 17 - MLS discontinues use of shootout, All-Star Game in 2000 and the 2001 MLS Cup. May 22 - Columbus sets new record for season- changes the game clock direction and realigns Aug. 16 - Crew forward Stern John becomes first ticket sales with 9,083, surpassing the previous the league into three divisions. MLS also an- player in MLS history to notch three hat tricks in mark of 9,078 set by the Crew in 1996. The nounces that “Soccer Saturdays” and a Monday a season, as he blitzes K.C. for three goals in Black & Gold end the year with a season-ticket night highlight show will be part of its national 10 minutes, during the 5-3 win at Ohio Stadium. base of 9,282. TV package. Crew moves to Central Division Sept. 15 - Crew and Sports Radio 1460 WBNS May 22 - Crew Stadium holds its first double- with Dallas, Chicago and Tampa Bay. “The Fan” extend radio partnership through header as the U.S. U-17 squad downs the El Dec. 16 - Crew President/GM Jamey Rootes the year 2000, allowing 1460 to remain as Salvador U-17s, 4-0, to secure a spot in the announces that he is leaving the organization the flagship station for the Columbus Crew FIFA Under-17 World Championship, followed to become VP of Sales and Marketing for the Radio Network. by the Crew’s first loss at Crew Stadium, 1-0 NFL’s expansion franchise in Houston, later Sept. 18 - On the first day of the seat relocation (SO), to Tampa Bay. named the Texans. process for the new stadium, the Crew sells May 29 - The Crew, Kellogg’s and CD 101 1,181 season tickets. The Club Loges also go sponsor the first non-soccer event in Crew 2000 quickly as 18 of the 20 available are sold, Stadium when the pop band BoDeans plays Jan. 11 - Crew Stadium is named the 2000 forcing club to increase number of loges to 30. a post-game concert. Foremost Sports Facility of the Year by the
Sept. 27 - In regular season finale against D.C., June 16 - The first-ever Buck-A-Brat Night takes International Sports Summit, edging out the Stern John scores two first half goals to secure the place at Crew Stadium. Crew fans devour Staples Center in Los Angeles. first MLS Budweiser Scoring Championship in 14,659 bratwurst. Jan. 25 - Jim Smith is named Crew’s new General Crew history. John finishes his rookie MLS season July 17 - Stern John tallies a goal and Brian Manager. Smith comes to the club from Ohio with 26 goals and five assists for 57 points. McBride has an assist as the East loses 6-4 State University where he was Associate Athletic Sept. 30 - In just seven days, all 1,157 Club to the West in the fourth All-Star Game. Crew Director for Marketing and Communications. Seats in new stadium sell out. defender Thomas Dooley also plays. Feb. 6 - MLS holds its first-ever SuperDraft
Oct. 18 - In the last MLS game ever played at Aug. 3 - Head Coach Tom Fitzgerald signs in Fort Lauderdale. Taking the place of the Ohio Stadium, Crew leaves ‘The Shoe’ with a a two-year contract extension through the previous college and supplemental drafts, the 4-2 playoff win over D.C., snapping United’s 2001 season. SuperDraft combined all collegiate, Project-40 MLS record 13-game playoff win streak. Crew Aug. 3 - Crew Stadium is named the site of the and professional players who entered the draft. ends Ohio Stadium era with an all-time home 1999 Ohio High School Athletic Association Crew trades its first round pick (No. 3 overall) to record of 33-20. State Soccer Championships. For the first time, Dallas for forward Dante Washington.
Oct. 20 - Brian McBride captures 1998 Mas- every division’s championship game is held at March 25 - Robert Warzycha scores MLS’s terCard Goal of the Year award. the same venue. first-ever regular-season “Golden Goal” to
Oct. 30 - In the rescheduled Open Cup Final, Aug. 4 - MLS names Don Garber Commissioner, propel Crew to a 2-1 victory over San Jose in Crew loses 2-1 heartbreaker to Chicago in replacing Doug Logan who had been MLS its home opener. sudden-death OT at Soldier Field. Commissioner since the league’s inception. May 3 - Crew snaps its 13-match winless streak Nov. 5 - The first pieces of turfgrass sod are laid Aug. 18 - Crew goalkeeper Mark Dougherty at RFK Stadium, defeating D.C. United there at new stadium. Among those in attendance collects MLS win No. 50 and Stern John sets for the first time ever, 2-1, on a Richie Williams are Crew Founder Lamar Hunt and President/ a MLS record with his fifth career hat trick in a own goal. GM Jamey Rootes. The entire field is installed 4-2 win over the MetroStars. May 24 - Crew Stadium plays host to its first in just over a week. Sept. 1 - The A-League’s Rochester Raging Rhinos international exhibition match as German downs the Crew, 3-2, in OT in the semifinals Bundesliga power Hamburg SV come to town, 1999 of the U.S. Open Cup at the Virginia Beach but it is the Crew which streaks to a decisive Feb. 9 - Crew unveils an Inaugural Game logo SportsPlex. 4-1 victory. and announces the creation of an Inaugural Sept. 7 - U.S. Soccer Federation Secretary Game organizing committee. General Hank Steinbrecher announces that the USSF has renamed the U.S. Open Cup Tournament the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
THE CREW
22 July 26 - In its second international exhibition June 7 - U.S. Men’s National Team and Ecuador April 20 - The first annual Connor Senn Memo- match of the season, the Crew plays Newcastle play to a 0-0 tie in an international friendly match rial Match is played at Jesse Owens Memorial United F.C. of the English Premier League to a at Crew Stadium, with legendary guitarist Eric Stadium on the Ohio State University campus. 2-2 draw before 18,212 spectators at Crew Clapton in attendance. The game pits the Crew against the OSU Buck- Stadium. June 16 - Dante Washington sets a new club eyes with a portion of the proceeds benefiting July 29 - A standing-room-only crowd of 23,495 record for points in a game (8), by scoring three the Connor Senn Memorial Scholarship Fund, is on hand as Crew Stadium plays host to the goals and adding two assists in The Crew’s 6-1 established after the Ohio State freshman 2000 MLS All-Star Game. Mike Clark, Brian win over Tampa Bay. tragically lost his life after collapsing during a McBride and Dante Washington all represent July 6 - The ‘interim’ is lifted from head coach game on Sept. 26, 2001. the hometown Crew. Greg Andrulis’ title, as GM Jim Smith announces April 22 - Brian McBride named by head coach Sept. 6 - Matt Napoleon departs for Australia he will remain at the helm for the balance of Bruce Arena to the U.S. World Cup Team that where he will serve as the alternate goalie for the season. went on to compete in the 2002 FIFA World the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team at the Sydney July 15 - Crew ‘got milk?’ billboards go up around Cup in Korea and Japan. Crew teammates 2000 Games. greater-Columbus, featuring Mike Clark, Mike Brian Maisonneuve and Brian West are named Sept. 9 - With the Crew already eliminated from Duhaney, Brian Maisonneuve and Brian West. as alternates. postseason contention for the first time ever, a July 28 - Mike Clark, Brian McBride and John May 6 - Crew announces a partnership with the sellout crowd of 24,347 packs Crew Stadium Wilmar Perez represent the Crew in the 2001 American Dairy Association & Dairy Council for the the 2000 finale vs. Chicago. All-Star Game in San Jose, Calif. With his Mid East for a “got milk?” promotion. Tom Sept. 13 - Brian McBride departs for England, five-point day (2g, 1a), McBride became the Presthus, Brian Maisonneuve, Jeff Cunningham on loan to First Division club Preston North all-time leading scorer in all-star game history and Duncan Oughton sport milk moustaches End F.C. for the duration of the MLS offseason. (6 GP, 5g-7a=17 pts.). on COTA busses throughout Columbus area. Oct. 11 - The U.S. Men’s National Team and Aug. 1 - Crew sells the 125,000th bratwurst in May 15 - Crew defeats FC Nurnberg of the Costa Rica play to a 0-0 draw in a CONCACAF the history of its Buck-a-Brat Nights. German Bundesliga, 7-2, in an international World Cup qualifying match at Crew Stadium. Sept. 13 - MLS cancels the final week-and-a-half friendly at Crew Stadium. The second-largest crowd in stadium history of the 2001 regular season, in the aftermath May 31-June 30 - Crew Stadium is transformed 24,430 witnesses the historic event. of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York into “Cup Headquarters” where it hosts view- Nov. 11 - The first game of the U.S. Women’s and Washington, D.C. The Crew’s final two ing parties for every game of the 2002 FIFA National Team’s Glory Tour, vs. Canada, is games are cancelled. World Cup. More than 27,000 people attend played at Crew Stadium. Oct. 9 - Crew forward Jeff Cunningham departs the viewing parties, which attract national for a loan spell in Germany with Bayer Leverku- media attention. 2001 sen of the German Bundesliga, following an June 5 - Brian McBride tallies the game-winning Feb. 14 - Crew embarks on its first-ever overseas impressive MLS season in which he became goal as the U.S. Men’s National Team kicks off trip with departure for a 12-day training tour the first Crew player ever to achieve double- the 2002 FIFA World Cup with a shocking 3-2 in Germany. figure totals in both goals (10) and assists (13). win over world power Portugal in Sowon, Korea. Feb. 21 - Agreement is reached with North Oct. 20 - General Manager Jim Smith is named June 15 - Dante Washington scores the 50th American Broadcasting Co. to have Eagle the 2001 MLS Executive of the Year. goal of his MLS career.
103.9 (WEGE-FM) become the new flagship Oct. 21 - The San Jose Earthquakes defeat the June 17 -Brian McBride tallies his second game- station of the Columbus Crew Radio Network. Los Angeles Galaxy, 2-1 in overtime, to win winning goal of the 2002 FIFA World Cup as Feb. 28 - The U.S. Men’s National Team defeats MLS Cup 2001 at Crew Stadium. the U.S. downs rival Mexico, 2-0, to advance Mexico, 2-0, before a chilled, overfolw crowd Oct. 25 - Crew signs head coach Greg Andrulis, to the quarterfinals, its best showing in 72 years. of 24,624 at Crew Stadium, in a final-round who posted a 12-4-4 regular-season record after June 24-25 - As a part of the media blitz follow- CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match. taking over, to a two-year extension. ing the U.S. World Cup Team’s successful run
April 4 - Crew opens its first-ever international Dec. 6 - MLS announces that its investors com- in Korea, Brian McBride, along with several competition with a 2-0 loss to CD Saprissa in mitted to funding and operating the league for of his World Cup teammates, appear on a San Jose, Costa Rica, in the quarterfinals of the the next five years, through the 2006 season. number of major national television programs, FC (CONCACAF) Giants Cup. The Giants Cup Dec. 9 - Jeff Cunningham earns his first cap including The Late Show with David Letter- involved the confederation clubs with the top for the U.S. Men’s National Team in an man, Connie Chung Tonight, Good Morning attendance marks. The teams played to a 1-1 international friendly match at South Korea. America, Live! With Regis & Kelly and ESPN2’s draw a week later (April 11) at Crew Stadium The Jamaican-born Cunningham was sworn World Cup Tonight. and Saprissa advanced to the semifinals on in as a U.S. citizen at the Federal Courthouse June 25 - Veteran Todd Yeagley announces his aggregate (3-1). in Columbus on Nov. 13. retirement due to chronic injuries in his knee and April 19 - Crew launches 5th Major Sport Dec. 16 - The University of North Carolina defeats foot. After announcing his retirement, Yeagley program (now Soccer Rocks), a partnership Indiana University, 2-0, at Crew Stadium in the joins the Crew’s front office as the Assistant with the greater-Columbus soccer community final of the 2001 NCAA Men’s College Cup to the President/General Manager for the to promote the game of soccer. which kicked off on Dec. 14 with two national remainder of the season. May 17 - Tom Fitzgerald is dismissed as Crew semifinal matches. June 26 - Crew plays host to Club Tigres of the head coach, after parts of six seasons, and Mexican First Division in an exhibition match replaced on an interim basis by his top assistant 2002 held at Crew Stadium. Columbus loses its first Greg Andrulis. Jan. 2 - MLS announces formation of a new international exhibition against a Mexican May 19 - Crew pulls out a dramatic 2-1 overtime c o m p a n y, S o c c e r U n i t e d M a r k e t i n g , t o m a n a g e team, 2-1. win over D.C. United in Greg Andrulis’ debut sales, service and broadcast production for a June 27 - At Columbus Celebrates Sports, as head coach. Jeff Cunningham scores golden varierty of properties. a ceremony held by the Greater Columbus goal in 99th minute after the Crew plays final Jan. 8 - MLS eliminates the Miami Fusion and Convention & Visitors Bureau to announce 32 minutes two men down. Tampa Bay Mutiny via contraction, leaving a the formation of the Greater Columbus Sports May 29 - Crew defeats Bayer Leverkusen of the 10-team league. Commission, the U.S. vs. Mexico World Cup German Bundesliga, 4-3, in an international Jan. 17 - Veteran midfielder Robert Warzycha qualifier held at Crew Stadium on Feb. 28, exhibition match at Crew Stadium. is named a player/assistant coach for the June 5 - Rookie forward Edson Buddle is named 2002 season. to the U.S. Under-20 National Team for the April 17 - Crew Founder Lamar Hunt announces XIth FIFA World Youth Championship, held in the promotion of General Manager Jim Smith to Argentina June 17-July 8. Buddle appeared in the dual role of President/General Manager. three matches and scored one goal.
23 2001 is named the second greatest moment player in MLS history to score his 50th career streak to 18 games (8-0-10) and clinch Sup- in Columbus sports history. The opening of goal in a 2-0 win over Colorado. porters Shield, won by the team with the top Crew Stadium is also ranked among the top 20 June 7 - The Home Depot Center opens in overall regular-season record (12-5-13, 49 pts.). moments in Columbus sports history. Carson, Calif., becoming the second major- Nov. 10 - MLS, Soccer United Marketing and July 3 - Crew defender/midfielder Duncan league soccer-specific stadium to open in the adidas announce exclusive 10-year partner- Oughton is named to the New Zealand U.S. (after Crew Stadium). ship, making adidas official athletic sponsor National Team for the Oceana Nations Cup, July 5 - Crew players, coaches and team staff and licensed product supplier. The partnership its regional confederation championship, ulti- receive their 2002 U.S. Open Cup champi- incorporates every aspect of the game, from mately won by the Kiwis on home soil. onship rings in an on-field ceremony prior to product creation, to grassroots programs, televi- July 11 - Veteran defender Mike Lapper an- game vs. Dallas. sion rights and retail distribution. nounces his retirement and joins the Crew’s July 6 - The U.S. Men’s National Team, includ- Nov. 12 - Greg Andrulis is named MLS Coach front office staff as Director of Soccer Business ing Brian McBride and Frankie Hejduk of the of the Year, making him the first Crew coach Development. Crew, defeats Paraguay, 2-0, in a friendly at so honored, and Robin Fraser is named MLS July 31 - Brian McBride scores his 50th career Crew Stadium. Defender of the Year. MLS goal, all of them coming with the Crew. Sept. 20, 24, 28 - Crew Stadium plays host to Nov. 13 - Defender Robin Fraser named to Aug. 3 - Brian McBride, Brian Maisonneuve and three first-round doubleheaders in the 2003 RadioShack Best XI team. John Harkes compete for the U.S. National Team FIFA Women’s World Cup. The U.S. defeats Nov. 17 - The U.S. ties Jamaica, 1-1, at Crew in the Pepsi MLS All-Star Game vs. the MLS Stars. North Korea, 3-0, before a sellout crowd of Stadium in CONCACAF semifinal-round quali- Sept. 8 - The U.S. Women’s National Team 22,828 on Sept. 28. fying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. defeats Scotland, 8-2, at Crew Stadium in the Oct. 19 - Battling a respiratory infection, Brian Nov. 19 - Defender Nelson Akwari and forward first-ever meeting between the two countries. McBride comes off the bench to score the 59th Erick Scott are selected by Real Salt Lake in the Sept. 10 - Crew comes from behind in dramatic and 60th goals of his MLS career, the latter 2004 MLS Expansion Draft. and improbable fashion to defeat K.C., 3-2 in a dramatic game-winner in the final minute Dec. 4 - Former head coach Tom Fitzgerald is OT, in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal at Crew of OT at D.C. killed in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, Fla. Stadium, after trailing 2-0 through 75 minutes. Oct. 16 - Midfielder Kyle Martino is named 2004 2005 MLS Rookie of the Year, the first Crew player Jan. 14 - Goalkeeper Tom Presthus retires months Jan. 14 - Jeff Cunningham, the club’s career ever so honored. after “Tommy John” surgery to repair a torn ulnar co-goal-scoring leader is traded to Colorado Oct. 19 - Jeff Cunningham is named to the MLS collateral ligament in his right elbow. after seven years in Black & Gold. Pepsi Best XI team. Jan. 16 - Crew selects Chad Marshall with the Jan. 19 - Mark McCullers has the “interim” Oct. 24 - The Crew wins its first-ever champi- second overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. removed from his title and is officially appointed onship, defeating Los Angeles, 1-0, to win Jan. 20 - Brian McBride transferred to Fulham General Manager. the U.S. Open Cup title at Columbus Crew F.C. of the English Premier League, following Jan. 27 - Crew and the Ohio South Youth Soc- Stadium, behind Freddy Garcia’s goal and eight standout seasons in Columbus. cer Association (OSYSA) announce multi-year Jon Busch’s shutout. Jan. 29 - Former New England assistant John partnership agreement that includes technical
Dec. - Brian McBride is one of four MLS players Murphy is named an assistant coach. development, sponsorship development and featured in the December issue of Vanity Fair. March 16 - Defender Mike Clark, the Crew’s all- promotional opportunities for both parties. Dec. 16 - Crew all-time great Robert Warzycha time games-played leader and a member of the Jan. 31 - Brian Maisonneuve, the last remaining announces his retirement and becomes a full- team since the inaugural 1996 season, retires. active player from the inaugural 1996 season, time assistant coach after spending 2002 as March 24 - MLS Commissioner Don Garber announces his retirement after battling ankle a player/assistant. announces that MLS regular-season contests injuries for years.
Dec. 18 - Brian McBride signs a multi-year will no longer feature overtime periods when March 27 - Ohio News Network becomes the extension to keep him with The Crew through games are tied after 90 minutes. local TV home of the Crew as part of broader 2005 and beyond. May 15 - Crew Stadium celebrates its fifth three-year partnership with Dispatch Printing anniversary with a 1-0 Crew win over New Company. 2003 England, which was also the opponent when April 2 - Crew opens its 10th season with 3-0 Jan. 6 - Jim Launder, former University of Wis- the facility opened on May 15, 1999. win over L.A. at Crew Stadium, extending consin and University of Dayton head coach, June 13 - The U.S. defeats Grenada, 3-0, at league-record regular-season unbeaten streak is named an assistant coach. Crew Stadium in its 2006 FIFA World Cup to 19 games (9-0-10). Jan. 10 - Brian McBride begins successful, qualifying opener. April 15 - MLS announces ratification of the three-month loan spell with Everton of the June 21 - Crew specialty license plates, featuring first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) English Premier League, which sees him score the club’s logo, are introduced by the Ohio in league history by the MLS Players Union. four goals in eight games. Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Agreement to run through 2009 MLS season. Feb. 19 - Brian McBride and his wife Dina July 9 - President/GM Jim Smith departs for an May 30 - Danny Szetela named to U.S. Unter-20 grace the pages of the 2003 Sports Illustrated executive position with the NFL Atlanta Falcons National Team roster for 2005 FIFA World Swimsuit Issue. and Crew Stadium GM Mark McCullers is Youth Championship in Holland by head March 7 - U.S. World Cup and Olympic team named Interim GM. coach Sigi Schmid. veteran Frankie Hejduk signed. July 14 - Real Salt Lake admitted to MLS as an July 12 - Head coach Greg Andrulis relieved April 16 - Crew defeats Monarcas Morelia of expansion team for the 2005 season. of duties. Assistant coach Robert Warzycha M e x i c o, 2 - 0, a t C r e w S t a d i u m , b u t i s e l i m i n a t e d July 22 - Crew wins rights to 17-year-old U.S. named interim head coach. from the CONCACAF Champion’s Cup, 6-2 on youth national team star Danny Szetela in a July 16 - Crew earns 1-1 tie at Chicago in Robert aggregate, in the quarterfinal round. Columbus weighted lottery televised live on ESPN News. Warzycha’s head coaching debut. Rookie defeated Deportivo Arabe Unido of Panama Aug. 2 - CD Chivas USA admitted to MLS as an midfielder Eric Vasquez scores the lone goal in the Round of 16. expansion team for the 2005 season. in his first professional game. May 10 - Crew Stadium’s Huntington Club is Sept. 18 - Edson Buddle establishes a new club July 27 - Crew defeats Fulham FC of the English dedicated. Located on the mezzanine level record for goals in a game, scoring every Crew Premier League, 2-1, at Crew Stadium in an in the southeast corner of the stadium, the fully goal in a 4-2 win over the MetroStars. international exhibition against former star Brian enclosed, climate controlled, high-end hospital- Oct. 6 - Crew defeats Chicago, 1-0, to clinch McBride’s team. ity space is utilized for exclusive group functions first-ever regular-season Eastern Conference title July 30 - MLS All-Stars defeat Fulham FC of the during Crew matches and other stadium events. and run unbeaten streak to 16 games, setting English Premier League, 4-1, before a sellout May 10 - Jeff Cunningham becomes the 14th new league record. crowd of 23,309 at Crew Stadium in the 2005 Oct. 17 - Crew ties Colorado, 1-1, in regular- Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game. season finale to extend its MLS-record unbeaten Aug. 6 - Pizza Hut Park, the new home of FC
THE CREW
24 Dallas and the league’s third soccer-specific rights through 2014. June 21 – Frankie Hejduk stadium, opens in Frisco, Texas. Sept. 25 – Soccer United Marketing (SUM) scores the U.S.’s opening goal Sept. 3 - U.S. Men’s National Team defeats reaches comprehensive agreement with Univi- in its 2-1 victory over Canada in the CONCA- Mexico, 2-0, before a sellout crowd of 24,685 sion Communications Inc. for the broadcast CAF Gold Cup semifinal. at Crew Stadium in a final-round CONCACAF rights to Major League Soccer and other top June 24 – Frankie Hejduk is named to the World Cup Qualifier. soccer properties through 2014. 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup All-Tournament Sept. 16 - Crew Founder Lamar Hunt honored Nov. 11 – Major League Soccer’s Board of Team “Best XI.” at the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s 2005 banquet Governors unveils details of the 2007 MLS June 28 – Eddie Gaven is named to the U.S. with its Lifetime Achievement Award. competition structure, including the implemen- roster for the CONMEBOL Copa America Oct. 20 - Sigi Schmid named the fifth head tation of a Designated Player Rule. That rule tournament. Gaven earns his fourth and fifth coach in Crew history. Interim head coach allows MLS clubs to sign players whose salary caps in the tournament. Robert Warzycha accepts offer to remain as will fall outside of the team salary budget and June 30 – Crew midfielder Danny Szetela scores Schmid’s top assistant. whose cost above the salary budget charge the lone U.S. goal in a 1-1 draw with Korea in Nov. 9 - Captain Robin Fraser, one of the most will be the financial responsibility of the club. the U-20 World Cup opener. Robbie Rogers respected and decorated defenders in league A Designated Player’s salary charge will be and Tim Ward also start for the U.S. side and history, announces his retirement. capped at $400,000, but his salary could play the full 90 minutes. Nov. 11 - Former Crew star Brian McBride named be higher. July 3 – Danny Szetela scores two goals and to the RadioShack All-Time Major League Soc- Nov. 14 – Crew Stadium is resodded, with an en- Robbie Rogers notches two assists in the U.S.’s cer Best XI team. tirely new natural playing surface being installed 6-1 victory over Poland in the U-20 World Cup. Dec. 15 - AEG announces that Houston is the for the first time in its nearly eight-year history. July 7 – Crew dedicates Founder’s Park prior to new home of the San Jose Earthquakes. San Dec. 14 – Crew Founder Lamar Hunt, one of its match against Real Salt Lake. A memorial Jose retains Quakes’ name, colors and records. the most renown pioneers in American sports tribute to Crew Founder Lamar Hunt just south history, died following an eight-year battle with of the Crew Kicker Plaza, the park incorporates 2006 prostate cancer. existing plaque-on-rock monuments conceived Jan. 20 - Crew selects 2005 MAC Hermann by Mr. Hunt and now features a new layout Trophy winner Jason Garey with its first pick 2007 and landscape design, which was one of (No. 3 overall) in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. Jan. 11 – Global icon and world-renown soccer his interests.
Jan. 30 – Crew names promotion marketing player David Beckham signs historic contract July 18 – MLS announces that the San Jose agency Ryan Partnership as its agency of with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The 31-year-old Earthquakes will return to the league in 2008 record for marketing services, advertising and midfielder would join the Galaxy after his as an expansion team, with an ownership group promotions. contract with Real Madrid expired on June 30. led by Lew Wolff and John Fisher, principal Feb. 17 – Strategic partnership with AEG LIVE Feb. 15 – Crew defeats Real Salt Lake 2-1 in third owners of the Oakland Athletics baseball club. to exclusively book and co-promote concerts annual Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Match at the July 19 – Midfielder Guillermo Barros Schelotto at Crew Stadium is announced. The first of Univ. of South Florida’s Sun Dome. and defender Frankie Hejduk are named to the those concerts will be The Road & Radio Tour, March 8 – Crew wins the rights to 19-year-old U.S. 2007 MLS All-Star Team. featuring Kenny Chesney, on Saturday, May 27. U-20 midfielder Robbie Rogers via weighted July 23 – Guillermo Barros Schelotto is selected March 9 – Red Bull Company Limited, the Austrian lottery held at MLS Headquarters in NY. as MLS’ Player of the Week after his two-goal energy drink company, purchases MetroStars March 11 – Crew tops FC Dallas 3-0 in inaugural performance against Toronto FC on July 22. and team renamed New York Red Bulls. Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup, created in honor of July 28 – Crew falls to Aston Villa FC of the March 10 – Announces that The Brew @ 105.7 late Crew Founder and FC Dallas Investor- English Premier League, 3-1, at Crew Stadium (WBWR-FM), will serve as the Crew’s new Operator Lamar Hunt. in an international exhibition. AVFC is owned English radio home. March 20 – Crew announces agreement with by Cleveland Browns (NFL) owner Randy Lerner. April 20 – Crew honored with a Central Ohio Columbus Sports Network (CSN) to broadcast Aug. 2 – Guillermo Barros Schelotto is selected Emerald Award in the “Partnership” category, 13 C r e w r e g u l a r s e a s o n h o m e g a m e s , e n s u r i n g as MLS’ Player of the Month for July, after scor- by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio that every Crew regular season game would be ing three goals and notching one assist in four (SWACO), at its inaugural ceremony. available on TV for the first time ever in 2007. games during the month.
May 3 – Frankie Hejduk is diagnosed with a March 22 – Crew announces that for the first time Aug. 31 – Crew sells midfielder Danny Szetela torn ACL in his right knee, one day after being ever all Crew games, home and away, would to Racing de Santander of the Spanish Premier named to the USA’s 23-man roster for the 2006 be broadcast in Spanish. League.
FIFA World Cup. April 7 - Crew honors late Founder Lamar Hunt Sept. 10 – Construction begins on 60’x120’ May 11 – Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment on Opening Day with a limited edition com- permanent stage in Crew Stadium’s north end. (MLSE) and MLS unveil Toronto FC. Toronto be- memorative coin. The two-sided coin features Sept. 30 – Crew fans sport dark apparel in comes 13th MLS team and the first outside U.S. the likeness and signature of Mr. Hunt on one an effort to “Black Out” the L.A. Galaxy at June 9 – Crew Stadium holds viewing parties for side, and the Crew logo along with an image Crew Stadium. The standing-room-only crowd all 64 2006 FIFA World Cup games. of Crew Stadium on the reverse. The coin is of 24,300 is the eighth largest home crowd July 26 – Crew battles Everton of the English now used for the official coin toss at all Crew in Crew history. Premier League to a 1-1 tie in an international home games. Oct. 4 – The Crew and ICI Paints announce a exhibition at Crew Stadium. April 19 – Crew signs midfielder Guillermo landmark long-term partnership that positions the July 31 – Fox Soccer Channel inks new five- Barros Schelotto, one of the most beloved Glidden paints brand as the Presenting Sponsor year programming deal with Soccer United players in the history of legendary Argentine of the Crew. The most visible element of the Marketing (SUM) that includes live and exclusive club Boca Juniors. partnership will be the prominent placement English-language rights to a selection of Major May 9 – Crew acquires forward Alejandro of the Glidden logo on the front of all Crew League Soccer (MLS), international friendlies Moreno from Houston. Moreno goes on to lead jerseys starting in 2008. and U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team the club in goals scored in 2007, with seven. Oct. 16 – The Crew and Brad Friedel’s Premier matches through 2010. May 24 – Frankie Hejduk is named to the U.S. Soccer Academies (PSA) announce partnership Aug. 6 – ESPN Inc. reaches comprehensive National Team Roster for the 2007 CONCA- to advance youth player development in the multimedia agreement with Soccer United CAF Gold Cup, his first call-up since suffering a state of Ohio and beyond. Marketing (SUM) for Major League Soccer season-ending ACL tear in April 2006. June 15 – Robbie Rogers, Danny Szetela and Tim Ward are named to the U.S. roster for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
25 Nov. 13 – MLS announces that Seattle will join Aug. 7 - Robbie Rogers and Emmanuel Ekpo the league as an expansion team in 2009, begin group play in the 2008 Olympic Games becoming the league’s 15th team as a member for the U.S. and Nigeria, respectively. of the Western Conference. Sept. 2 - Official blog, The Black & Gold Nov. 17 – Midfielder Guillermo Barros Schelotto Standard, is launched. is named to the 2007 MLS “Best XI.” Sept. 13 - Crew wins inaugural Trillium Cup 5 Dec. 18 – MLS announces that each team points to 2, after 1-1 draw with Toronto FC awarded one additional international player at BMO Field. slot, that the distinction between Youth Inter- Oct. 12 - Crew clinches 2008 Supporters’ national and Senior International has been Shield with 2-2 tie at Chicago, coupled with removed and that all international player slots the Houston’s 0-0 tie vs. D.C. United. will be tradable. Nov. 6 - Chad Marshall named 2008 MLS Defender of the Year. 2008 Nov. 8 - Crew defeats K.C. Wizards, 2-0, Jan. 29 - Crew names Brian Bliss first Technical at Crew Stadium to win Eastern Conference Director in club history. Semifinal Series 3-1 on aggregate. Feb. 9 - The Crew Soccer Academy opens Nov. 11 - Sigi Schmid named 2008 MLS Coach its inaugural season in the U.S. Soccer of the Year. Development Academy league. Nov. 13 - Crew wins Eastern Conference Feb. 19 - Crew announces three-year deal with Championship, 2-1, over Chicago at Crew ClearChannel by which News/Talk 610 WTV Stadium, advances to MLS Cup for first time. becomes the club’s English radio home. Nov. 20 - Guillermo Barros Schelotto named Feb. 28 - MLS awards Philadelphia expansion 2008 MLS Most Valuable Player. franchise that will begin play in 2010 as Nov. 22 - Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Chad league’s 16th team. Marshall and Robbie Rogers named to 2008 March 22 - Crew defeats CD Metapán of El MLS Best XI team. Salvador in an international friendly at Crew Nov. 23 - Crew earns first-ever MLS Cup Stadium. Championship, defeating the New York Red March 27 - Crew and Toronto FC announce Bulls, 3-1, before 27,000 at the Home Depot plans for new competition between the Center in Carson, Calif. Guillermo Barros geographic rivals called Trillium Cup, which Schelotto named MLS Cup MVP after assisting refers to the official flower of the province of on all three Crew goals, setting a new match Ontario and official wildflower of the State record for assists. of Ohio and will be awarded annually to the Nov. 24 - A raucous, estimated crowd of winner of the regular-season series between 1,000 packs the baggage claim area at Port the two clubs. Columbus International Airport to welcome March 29 - The Nordecke is born, as three home the newly crowned MLS Cup champs. June 25 - Chad Marshall and Robbie Rogers main supporters groups come together for the Nov. 25 - Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland welcomes named to U.S. National Team for 2009 first time in the northeast corner of the stadium the 2008 MLS Cup-champion Crew to the CONCACAF Gold Cup. on opening day. Ohio Statehouse for a community celebration. July 2 - Guillermo Barros Schelotto named MLS March 29 - Crew Stadium’s new permanent Dec. 2 - Crew exercises option on Guillermo Player of the Month for June. concert stage is christened by national Barros Schelotto’s contract, making the July 7 – Crew Stadium plays host to 2009 recording artists Saving Jane, which plays Argentine superstar the club’s first Designated CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheader, postgame show. Player. featuring Jamaica vs. Costa Rica and Canada
April 10 - Crew and charitable arm, Crew Dec. 22 - Former Crew playing standout and vs. El Salvador. Soccer Foundation, win 2008 Corporate longtime assistant coach Robert Warzycha July 13 - The 2008 MLS Cup-champion Crew Caring Award in Education category. is named the fifth head coach in club history. visits the White House at the invitation of May 2 - Hunt Sports Group announces President Barack Obama for a Rose Garden promotion of Mark McCullers to the expanded 2009 ceremony recognizing both its championship role of President and General Manager. Jan. 22 - Former Crew defender Ricardo and longstanding commitment to community May 21 - Crew Juniors and Worthington United Iribarren returns to the club as an assistant service. announce formal youth development club coach. partnership. Feb. 7 - Crew receives Award of Distinction at June 9 - Crew Juniors and Cincinnati United Touchdown Club of Columbus Annual Banquet, announce strategic partnership whereby in recognition of its MLS Cup title. Cincinnati United’s premier level (Cincinnati Feb. 11 - U.S. Men’s National Team defeats United Premier – CUP) becomes an official Mexico, 2-0, before a sellout crowd of 23,776 youth affiliate. at Crew Stadium in a final round CONCACAF July 9 - Crew defeats Independiente of World Cup Qualifier. Argentina, 2-1, in an international friendly at March 18 - Crew signs Dublin native and former Crew Stadium. Ohio State All-American Eric Brunner. July 10 – Frankie Hejduk and Robbie Rogers March 18 - Vancouver granted a MLS expansion named to 2008 MLS All-Star First XI. team to begin play in 2011. July 17 - Robbie Rogers named to U.S. Olympic March 20 - Portland, Ore., granted a MLS Team for 2008 Games in Beijing, China. expansion team to begin play in 2011. July 18 - Crew Soccer Academy U18s finish March 25 - Mayor Michael Coleman announces third at U.S. Soccer Development Academy at Crew media day that Silver Dr. between (National) Finals. Hudson and Velma ceremonially renamed July 20 - Crew falls to West Ham United MLS Champions Way and unveils street sign. of England’s Premier League, 3-1, in an May 9 – Crew Stadium’s 10th birthday international friendly at Crew Stadium. celebrated (six days early) in conjunction with game vs. K.C., a 3-2 Crew victory.
THE CREW
26 July 13 - Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Chad most comprehensive youth soccer models in 2011 Marshall named to MLS All-Star First XI. Major League Soccer and the nation. Jan. 28 - The Columbus Crew announced the July 25 - Jason Garey scored on a dramatic May 28 - Work on the first phase of the $5 signing of Jeff Cunningham to a multi-year header from a Frankie Hejduk cross two million project vastly improving the parking contract, returning one of the most prolific minutes into stoppage time, completing a infrastructure surrounding Crew Stadium scorers in league history to the club where second-half comeback and giving the Crew commenced. The portion of the Ohio Expo he spent his first seven professional seasons. a stunning 3-2 victory – and the 2009 Trillium Center North Lot south of Black & Gold Blvd., Feb. 3 - Crew icon Duncan Oughton Cup – over Toronto FC. east of Korbel Ave. and west of Wilnis Ave. announced his retirement from professional July 25 – With win over Toronto FC, Crew has now been graded, drained and paved. soccer, following a stellar 10-year career in establishes MLS record with its 19th consecutive May 29 - Columbus Crew forward Emilio which he became the longest-serving player regular-season home match without a loss. Renteria was voted Major League Soccer in club history. Simultaneously, the Crew July 27 – Crew Soccer Academy 17/18s Player of the Week by the North American announced that he joined the front office as defender Matt Wiet named to prestigious, Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 9 of the assistant technical director, a newly created national Development Academy Starting XI. 2010 MLS season. Renteria supplied two role in which he will be involved in a variety of Aug. 18 – Crew defeats Puerto Rico Islanders, goals for the Crew in as many games played functional areas, including community relations, 2-0, at Crew Stadium in its first-ever this week, one during the Crew’s 3-1 midweek alumni relations, broadcasting, fan relations CONCACAF Champions League match. victory over the New York Red Bulls and the and youth player development. Sept. 2 - Chad Marshall named MLS Player of game-winner in their 1-0 win against the the Month for August. Kansas City Wizards on Sunday. Sept. 16 - Crew becomes first MLS team to win July 13 - Guillermo Barros Schelotto and at Saprissa’s Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, 1-0 in Chad Marshall were named to the 2010 MLS CONCACAF Champions League play. All-Star First XI. Sept. 26 - Crew extends league-record home June 11 - July 15 - Nearly 10,000 fans flocked to unbeaten streak to 22 games (16-0-6) with Crew Stadium for live telecasts of all 64 games 2-0 win over L.A. of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The month-long Oct. 19 - “A Massive Season,” Steve Sirk’s book tournament kicked off on June 11 and became chronicling the Crew’s 2008 championship the most-watched ever in the United States. campaign, is released. July 26 - Tyler Pollack scored the game’s lone Oct. 21 - Crew becomes only MLS team to goal as the Crew Juniors Under-19 squad reach quarterfinals of 2009/10 CONCACAF defeated FC Delco Hammerheads, 1-0, Champions League with 1-1 draw at Puerto Saturday on national TV to win the McGuire Rico Islanders. Cup National Championship at the Overland Oct. 22 - Crew clinches its second consecutive Park Soccer Complex, in Overland Park, Supporters’ Shield. Kan., where the country’s top teams earned Nov. 5 - Chad Marshall named 2009 Defender the opportunity to compete in the final step of the Year for the second consecutive season. of the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Nov. 16 - Chad Marshall named to the 2009 Championship Series. MLS Best XI squad. Sept. 1 - The Columbus Crew staged a dramatic Nov. 17 - Crew head coach Robert Warzycha comeback to advance to the 2010 Lamar selected to lead ‘Generation adidas’ tour in Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final with a 2-1 victory South Africa. over D.C. United Wednesday at steamy RFK Nov. 25 – Alejandro Moreno selected by Stadium. Philadelphia Union in 2009 MLS Expansion Oct. 5 - Seattle Sounders FC defended their Draft. Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 2-1 Nov. 25 - Crew drawn to face Mexican win over the Columbus Crew Tuesday before Apertura champion Toluca in CONCACAF a crowd of 31,311 at Qwest Field, which Champions League quarterfinals on March 9 was largest ever for a final in the tournament’s and 17, 2010. history. Oct. 22 - The Crew defeated Joe Public FC of 2010 Trinidad, 4-1, Thursday to cap a successful Jan. 19 – Crew announces re-signing of Group Stage in the 2010/11 CONCACAF Guillermo Barros Schelotto , keeping one Champions League in which it advanced to of the most popular, prolific and decorated the quarterfinals for the second straight season. players in club history in Black & Gold for the Nov. 1 - The Crew was drawn to play MLS 2010 season, his 20th in professional soccer. rival Real Salt Lake in the CONCACAF Feb. 5 – Crew signs Colombian forward Champions League Quarterfinals. A pair of Sergio Herrera. all-Mexican match-ups joined the all-U.S. affair Mar. 18 - Crew battled Toluca until the end, in highlighting the quarterfinal stage. falling 3-2 in Champions League Quarters. Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored both Columbus goals as it valiantly bowed out of prestigious regional club championship tournament, 5-4 aggregate. Mar. 19 - Columbus Crew and La Mega 103.1-FM announced that the station would serve as the new Spanish Radio Home for the Crew in 2010. April 29 - Crew Juniors, the Columbus Crew’s youth development club, and FC Phoenix announced a formal partnership to form Phoenix Crew Juniors (PCJ), providing families in surrounding communities an outstanding local option to be connected with one of the
27 CREW BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION CREW LOCAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE For the fifth consecutive season, the Crew DATE DAY GAME TIME (ET) NETWORK will have all 34 of its regular-season games 3/19 Sat. D.C. United* (MLS FirstKick 2011) 7:30 p.m. ONN broadcast on television, with 32 being 3/26 Sat. NEW YORK RED BULLS* 4 p.m. ONN televised regionally on ONN and two airing 4/9 Sat. Chivas USA 10:30 p.m. ONN nationally on Fox Soccer Channel 4/16 Sat. SPORTING KANSAS CITY* 7:30 p.m. ONN Dwight Burgess will handle play-by-play 4/23 Sat. Toronto FC* 4:00 p.m. ONN duties for all local broadcasts, while Duncan 4/30 Sat. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 7:30 p.m. ONN Oughton will serve as lead analyst. Oughton 5/7 Sat. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 7:30 p.m ONN will make his debut as a soccer analyst this 5/14 Sat. San Jose Earthquakes 10:30 p.m. ONN season. He recently retired from playing and 5/21 Sat. Portland Timbers 11 p.m. ONN is the most tenured player in Crew history. 5/28 Sat. CHIVAS USA 7:30 p.m. ONN Burgess, the original “Voice of the Crew,” 6/4 Sat. New York Red Bulls* 7:30 p.m. ONN returns for his 15th season behind the mi- 6/8 Wed. REAL SALT LAKE 7:30 p.m. ONN crophone for the Crew and his 20th calling 6/12 Sun. CHICAGO FIRE* 4 p.m. ONN professional soccer play-by-play. A 29-year 6/18 Sat. Houston Dynamo* 8:30 p.m. ONN broadcast veteran, Burgess is currently the 6/26 Sun. COLORADO RAPIDS 8 p.m. ONN men’s and women’s head coach at Capital 7/2 Sat. FC Dallas 9 p.m. ONN University in Columbus. 7/6 Wed. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 10 p.m. ONN Crew games will also be included in the 7/16 Sat. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 7:30 p.m. ONN MLS Direct Kick subscription package, which 7/20 Wed. LA Galaxy 10:30 p.m. ONN is available through satellite TV providers 7/23 Sat. PORTLAND TIMBERS 8 p.m. ONN DIRECTV and DISH Network, along with 7/30 Sat. Real Salt Lake 9 p.m. ONN digital cable provider iN DEMAND. 8/13 Sat. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION* 7:30 p.m. ONN 8/20 Sat. PHILADELPHIA UNION* 7:30 p.m. ONN 8/27 Sat. Seattle Sounders FC 4 p.m. ONN CREWXTRA ON ONN 9/10 Sat. TORONTO FC* 7:30 p.m. ONN CrewXtra returns for its third season on 9/14 Wed. HOUSTON DYNAMO* 7:30 p.m. ONN ONN-TV, airing every Wednesday during 9/17 Sat. Philadelphia Union* 7:30 p.m. ONN the season at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. It is 9/24 Sat. LA GALAXY 7:30 p.m. ONN supplemented by CrewXtra.com, an interac- 9/28 Wed.. Sporting Kansas City* 8:30 p.m. ONN tive companion to the show in collaboration 10/2 Sun. D.C. UNITED* 4 p.m. ONN with The Columbus Dispatch and Dispatch. 10/15 Sat. New England Revolution * 7:30 p.m. ONN com. The show and site provide Crew fans 10/22 Sat. Chicago Fire* 8:30 p.m. ONN with in-depth news and analysis, including game recaps and previews, while interspers- CREW NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE ing other features, interviews and interactive DATE DAY GAME TIME (ET) NETWORK elements. 4/1 Fri. FC DALLAS 7:30 p.m. FSC 8/5 Fri. Colorado Rapids 9:30 p.m. FSC
ENGLISHE RADIO SPANISH RADIO News/Talk 610 WTVN remains the For the fifth straight season, all 34 Crew Crew’sC English radio home for the fourth regular-season games can be heard in Span- sstraight season. All 34 regular-season ish, after five successive seasons in which all ggames, as well as any playoff contests, will home games were broadcast in Spanish. La aair on WTVN. Mega 103.1 becomes the Spanish Radio Neil Sika is in his fifth season as the Home of the Crew for the first time in 2010. CCrew’s primary radio play-by-play an- The broadcast team is made up of Carlos nouncer, having filled in on occasion in Cordova and veteran Benny Pietrangelo, a previous seasons. Ohio State men’s soccer former University of Akron star and profes- head coach John Bluem will again provide sional player. color commentary on all home broadcasts. Sika provided radio play-by-play for Ohio State men’s hockey from 2003-08 and served in the same capacity for Ohio State baseball from 2004-05. He has also done radio work for Monarch Sports. His television work includes serving as an analyst on Miami University hockey telecasts on ONN, along with numerous national and regional events on Big Ten Network and Sports Time Ohio. He is a 2003 graduate of The Ohio State University.
THE CREW
28 CREW NAME, LOGOS AND MASCOT PRIMARY LOGO MASCOT CREW CAT Certain elements must be considered when choosing a name for a Crew Cat has been the official mascot of the Columbus Crew professional sports team. The name must be unique, versatile, appeal since the inaugural 1996 season. to youth, and most importantly, capture the attitude and key values of Sporting a Crew uniform and trademark hard hat, the most popu- the region or team it represents. With that in mind, and after evaluat- lar feline in central Ohio has been delighting Crew fans of all ages ing numerous possibilities, the Major with its antics ever since. League Soccer franchise in Columbus, In addition to Crew games, “America’s Hardest Working Mascot” Ohio, became the Columbus Crew. ccan be found throughout the area, making numerous appearances “In designing the logo and uniform, aand representing the organization at a wide variety of events – espe- several factors were considered,” said ccially anywhere that children and soccer balls converge. Peter Moore, worldwide creative director for adidas and designer of the Crew logo and uniform. “It was necessary to represent the Columbus community in an appropriate and positive manner. The name suggests a work-hard, show-me- don’t-tell-me attitude. The name implies ‘team,’ people working together.” Using the Crew’s team colors of black, yellow and metallic silver, the Crew logo remains consistent with the hard-working attitudedefo fororwhrw whichichh ththehe name was intended. The three construction workers featured in the logo, complete with hard hats and displaying a look of distinct seriousness, reflect the demeanor that is expected from “America’s Hardest Work- ing Team.”
SECONDARY LOGO A secondary logo, featuring the same three construction workers, has incorporated “Columbus,” becausebee the original logo, or crest,cre did not bear the city’s name.na The Crew name resulted fromfro a month-long contest in The ColumbusCCoo Dispatch, which asked soccerso fans to submit names forfor their new MLS franchise. ThousandsTh of entries were received,rec but when all was said andan done, “The Crew” emerged as the winner. Luis Orozco of Columbus was the lone person to submit “The Crew” as a nickname. As a result, he received the contest’s Grand Prize of two season tickets to the team’s inaugural season at Ohio Stadium.
TEAM LETTERING The Crew’s team lettering is the only version of its logo family wthout the construction workers. It is derived from the secondary logo and adorned the front of the club’s jerseys from the 2003 through 2007 seasons.
29 CREW IN THE COMMUNITY The Crew and its charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation, CREW SOCCER FOUNDATION consider community service and involvement as important as winning The Crew Soccer Foundation plays a vital role in our community soccer games. In both areas, the closely aligned organizations are efforts, as well. CSF is dedicated to serving as a catalyst for com- never satisfied and constantly strive to expand upon their longstanding munity investment and development. Leveraging the organizationís commitment to excellence off the field, as well as on it. unique status as the stateís ñ and regionís ñ acknowledged soccer The Crew and CSF were humbled to have those efforts rec- leader, CSF works to advance the sport at all levels and enrich the ognized with a 2008 Corporate Caring Award in Education and overall quality of life in central Ohio and beyond, with an emphasis honored to be the first professional team to participate in President on developing the potential of our areaís young people. Obamaís United We Serve community outreach initiative. As part Now in its 13th year, Kicks for Kids is one of CSFís signature of our White House visit to commemorate our 2008 MLS Cup programs. It rallies monetary support from local businesses and Championship, we organized a soccer and life skills clinic for youth in individuals to afford deserving area youth the opportunity to enjoy a Washington, D.C. Major League Soccer experience at one-of-a-kind Columbus Crew In concert with CSF, our players, coaches and front office staff, Stadium. we work diligently to help make central Ohio a better place. Whether Soccer Aid is a unique, annual through distribution of Kicks for Kids tickets for deserving youngsters to month-long fund-raiser that combines experience the thrill of game day at Crew Stadium, in-kind donations, on-line auctions of autographed Crew appearances by mascot Crew Cat, or player and staff outreach at jerseys with an on-field, game-day expe- charity events, clinics and festivals, the Crew is committed to playing rience at Crew Stadium. In its first seven a significant role in the lives of the greater-Columbus community, years, it has raised more than $35,000 especially our youth. for its primary beneficiary, the Juvenile The organization has worked toward achieving these goals each Diabetes Research Foundation. year with the support of strong community partnerships. We have such The Crew Soccer Foundation a partnership with Keep Columbus Beautiful ñ a City of Columbus launched an innovative Referee Scholar- community-improvement program ñ that has included neighborhood ship Program in 2008. It supports cleanups involving team and staff participation. To encourage youth youngsters who have the desire but not participation in these community service projects, we provide compli- the means to obtain referee training, mentary Crew tickets through the Kicks for Kids program to all young certification and a uniform. The program people who volunteer. is unique as it not only recognizes deservingg youngyoung peoplepeopllile interested intert estet d The Crew Soccer Tour is a versatile, interactive presence that in the sport of soccer, but also provides a marketable skill and means appears at a variety of events across the city, region and state. Its of income for these youngsters. centerpiece is a 15-foot inflatable ball and it can include a variety of In addition, CSF has created the GOALS for KIDS Handbook. other elements. Engaging youth through images of Crew Cat and the Crew brand, Another aspect of the Crewís outreach efforts is aimed at visiting the handbook focuses on teaching life skills through soccer. area schools, hospitals and recreation centers to lift spirits and provide Through interactive quizzes, activities and puzzles, the curriculum messages about staying healthy, attending school, helping others and helps children understand more about wellness, community service, being a good sport. The front office has also participated in tutoring character-building, leadership and scholarship. The handbook has initiatives for many years. already been distributed to nearly 8,000 children through schools, Crew players, coaches and staff also participate in a number of community centers and youth soccer programs. community initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity projects to assist More information on the Crew Soccer Foundation can be in building area homes, Easter Seals, Special Olympics and TOP obtained by visiting CrewSoccerFoundation.org. Soccer. The Crew is also active in collaborations with two inner-city soccer programs (Kids Inner-City Developmental Soccer and the Near East Side Inner-City Youth Soccer Program).
Defender Andy Iro with a group of aspiring writers at Olde Orchard Elementary School.
THE CREW
30 THE BIRTH OF COLUMBUS CREW STADIUM
Crew Stadium opened on May 15, 1999, with an overflow crowd of 24,741 in attendance for the Crew’s 2-0 defeat of New England.
The contruction of historic Crew Stadium, Just after the start of the 1997 season, As the 1998 season wore on, time which fulfilled the dream and vision of Crew after more than a year of in-depth studies, became the Crew’s biggest foe. Less than Founder Lamar Hunt and soccer enthusiasts the Crew’s first real chance at a home of its three months after the defeat of the Dublin across America, remains one of the most own came in the form of Issue I, a Franklin vote, the Crew proposed another stadium important events in the sport’s history in this County vote to raise taxes 0.5 percent for a site that called for a 22,500-seat stadium country. Erected in a scant nine months and $285 million downtown stadium and arena that would be built on land leased from the one day, at a cost of $28.5 million, it was complex. Voters went to the polls on May 7, Ohio Expositions Commission. the first major-league stadium built specifi- but the issue came up short, as the vote was The first hurdle was cleared on May 15, cally for soccer in the U.S. defeated 56 percent to 44 percent. when the Expositions Commission voted Since opening on May 15, 1999, when The Crew’s chances of building its own 6-2 in favor of the 25-year lease. Three the Crew downed the New England Revolu- soccer-specific stadium suffered another days later, it was approved by the state of tion, 2-0, before a sellout crowd of 24,741 blow six months later when The Ohio State Ohio’s Controlling Board and on May 28 – a true watershed moment – Crew Stadium’s University’s Board of Trustees approved a the Ohio Expositions Commission approved impact on soccer in the United States has $150 million renovation project for Ohio the stadium site. been recognized around the globe. The new Stadium on November 7, 1997. Construction When the stadium’s design was unveiled facility sparked a new interest among soccer would make Ohio Stadium unusable during on July 7, it illustrated a combination of Euro- fans in central Ohio. Their loyalty would the summer of 1999, giving the Crew less pean atmosphere and traditional American be evidenced by the fact that Columbus than 18 months to find or construct a suitable amenities. From the foundation up, Crew finished the 1999 regular season with the playing venue. Stadium’s sharp-cut industrial look was a league’s highest average home attendance The search would lead the Crew to steel and concrete masterpiece designed of 17,696. a 180-acre patch of land in Dublin, a in the very image of America’s Hardest Plans for a soccer specific stadium in cen- Northwest Columbus suburb, where officials Working Team. tral Ohio had been in the works ever since voted to purchase approximately 158 acres At the stadium’s ground breaking on Aug. the Crew’s inaugural season, when the Black of the site in December of 1997. Planned 14, then-MLS Commissioner Doug Logan, & Gold called historic Ohio Stadium home. for the site was a $26 million, 25,000-seat made good on his previous promises by Realizing that the Crew’s days at the Horse- soccer-specific stadium similar to the structure awarding Crew Stadium with the 2000 shoe were numbered due to the facility’s proposed on Issue I. However, a city referen- MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup 2001. oversized seating capacity and downsized dum loomed on February 10, 1998. The Crew, the city of Columbus and Major field width, team officials made the search The referendum failed by a margin of League Soccer had confronted the game’s for a suitable venue a top priority. 59 percent to 41 percent, leaving the team biggest challenge and defeated it soundly, with little time to spare until the start of the leaving no doubt that the Crew was here 1999 season. to stay.
31 CREW STADIUM FAST FACTS
MLS Capacity ...... 20,145 Seating ...... Bleacher-style ...... seating with backs, 1,191 club seats, ...... and 28 enclosed suites. Lighting ...... Four-corner ...... tilted lighting provides ...... A %UROPEAN LIGHTING EFFECT Playing Surface ...... 115 x 75 yards Surface ...... Four-Blend ...... Kentucky Blue Grass Amenities ...... Concession plazas ...... IN ALL FOUR CORNERS OFFER CLEAR SIGHT ...... INES OF THE lELD ...... THE SQUARE FOOT #REW +ICKER Plaza ...... embedded with an ...... FOOT DIAMETER CONCRETE SOCCER ...... BALL n FOR PREGAME FESTIVITIES ...... A SQUARE FOOT ,%$ 6IDEO "OARD ..... AND A X FOOT PERMANENT STAGE
COLUMBUS CREW STADIUM HIGHLIGHTS s (IGHEST AVERAGE ATTENDANCE IN -,3 IN s (OSTED lRST GAME OF THE 53 7OMENS s (OSTED A SOLD OUT +ENNY #HESNEY CONCERT 1999 (17,696/game) National Team’s 2000 Glory Tour on on 5/27/06 s -,3 2ECORD FOR SEASON TICKETS SOLD IN 11/11/ 0 0 s (OSTED VIEWING PARTIES FOR ALL 1999 (9,282) s (OSTED A lNAL ROUND 7ORLD #UP QUALIFYING FIFA World Cup matches s .AMED THE &OREMOST