The Columbus Crew SC history highlights one of the MLS’s most iconic clubs, known for passion and resilience. Founded in 1994, Columbus Crew SC has built a proud tradition in Columbus Crew soccer, earning multiple championships and a loyal fan base. Their journey reflects dedication, teamwork, and growth throughout American soccer history.
Established
1994
City
Columbus
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2015 – Present / Columbus Crew SC
1996 - 2014 / Columbus Crew
Nickname
Columbus Crew SC – There is no shortage of stories and explanations regarding the origins of Columbus Crew SC's nickname. The most popular origin story revolves around the team’s founder Lamar Hunt and his love for sailing. According to legend, Hunt was inspired by a trip on an old wooden schooner in 1974 when he saw crew members working together as one unit, with everyone playing their part. Thus, “The Crew” was born!
Columbus Crew SC Origin
Another explanation revolves around Ohio being known as "the Mother of Presidents" because seven U.S presidents were born here: William Henry Harrison (9th), Ulysses S Grant (18th), Rutherford B Hayes (19th), James A Garfield(20th), Benjamin Harrison(23rd ), William McKinley(25 th )and Warren G Harding (29 th). This gave rise to the idea that each president represented a member or section of society, which could be likened to players on a soccer team - thus creating ‘The Crew.'
There are also other theories about how this name came about, including its ties with labor unions in Ohio who would refer to themselves collectively as crews, or even from early settlers who referred to groups they traveled with as crews – alluding back again towards teamwork and camaraderie that makeup such an essential part of sports teams today.
Whichever version you believe, what matters most is not where it originated but why we have chosen The Crew over any other name – because at its core lies something special: unity amongst different individuals striving towards achieving one common goal - winning!
Championship
MLS Cups 1
2020, 2008
Stadium
2016 – Present / Mapfre Stadium
1999 - 2015 / Columbus Crew Stadium
1996 - 1999 / Ohio Stadium
Owner
2018 - Present / Jimmy Haslam, Dee Haslam, Peter H. Edwards Jr., and other investors (Columbus Partnership)
2013 - 2018 / Anthony Precourt (Precourt Sports Ventures LLC)
2006 - 2013 / Clark Hunt
1995 - 2006 / Lamar Hunt
- 2015
- 2017
- 2018
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2023
-
Columbus Crew SC Team Formation
On June 15, 1994, Major League Soccer announced that Columbus, Ohio, would be home to one of the ten founding members of the new top-flight North American professional soccer league. Columbus had promised construction of a soccer-specific stadium and had sold over 12,000 season-ticket deposits. The team was tentatively named the Columbus Eclipse in its application to the league, as ... -
club reaches the 2017 MLS Cup Conference Final
In 2017: The club finishes fifth in the Eastern Conference and tenth overall in the league, returning to the playoffs. The club also reaches the MLS Cup Conference Final but loses to Toronto FC 1-0 on aggregate. The club also reaches the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round but loses to FC Cincinnati 1-0. The club also faces a potential relocation ... -
The Crew SC club reached the MLS Cup Conference Semi-Finals
In 2018, The Crew SC club reached the MLS Cup Conference Semi-Finals but loses to New York Red Bulls 3-1 on aggregate. -
Browns owners agreed to buy Columbus Crew
In 2018, The Crew SC club secured its future in Columbus as a new ownership group led by Dee and Jimmy Haslam and Dr. Pete Edwards agreed to buy the team from Precourt and pledges to build a new stadium in downtown Columbus. -
The Crew SC club hires Caleb Porter as its new head coach
In 2019, The Crew SC club hires Caleb Porter as its new head coach and Tim Bezbatchenko as its new president and general manager. -
COVID Year MLS Champs Columbus Crew SC in 2020
The 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs (branded as the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for sponsorship reasons) was the 25th edition of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top soccer league in the United States and Canada. The tournament culminated the 2020 MLS regular season. The playoffs began on November 20 and concluded with ... -
Third MLS Championship for the Columbus Crew
The Major League Soccer (MLS) Championship Series between the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) was a thrilling affair with soccer fans worldwide on edge. The series, which began with a 1-1 draw in Columbus, Ohio, on October 25th, culminated in an exciting 3-2 victory for LAFC at Banc of California Stadium to win their first MLS Cup ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Columbus Crew SC History
The Columbus Crew SC history reflects one of the most enduring and successful stories in Major League Soccer (MLS). Established in 1994, Columbus Crew SC became one of the league’s original clubs and has since built a proud legacy both on and off the field. Known for their passionate fan culture, the Crew’s dedicated supporters, including The Nordecke and Hudson Street Hooligans, have made Columbus Crew soccer a vibrant and unforgettable experience at MAPFRE Stadium.
The club’s competitive journey began in 1996, the inaugural MLS season, and that same year they lifted their first major trophy—the U.S. Open Cup after a thrilling victory over D.C. United. This triumph laid the foundation for decades of excellence that would later define Columbus Crew soccer. Over the years, the club became a symbol of perseverance, achieving consistent success and maintaining its reputation as one of the league’s most respected franchises.
Some of the most iconic players in Columbus Crew SC history include Brian McBride, who became an MLS MVP and team legend, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who guided the Crew to their first MLS Cup championship in 2008. Federico Higuaín also left a lasting legacy, becoming a creative force in midfield, while his brother Gonzalo continues to represent their family’s soccer heritage globally.
Crew SC Achievements
A defining moment came in 2020 when uncertainty surrounded the club’s future. After relocation rumors under owner Anthony Precourt sparked massive fan protests, new ownership led by Dee Haslam, Jimmy Haslam, and Dr. Pete Edwards stepped in. Their commitment to Columbus ensured the team’s permanence, preserving the heart of Columbus Crew SC for generations of fans.
Since then, Columbus Crew SC has continued to strengthen its identity, winning the 2020 MLS Cup and consistently competing among the league’s elite. The club’s growth, stability, and community focus reflect what makes Columbus Crew soccer truly special—its resilience, loyal supporters, and pursuit of excellence.
In recent years, the team’s modern rebranding and move to Lower.com Field have ushered in a new era for Columbus Crew SC history. With state-of-the-art facilities and a renewed spirit, the Crew remains a cornerstone of Major League Soccer, symbolizing passion, unity, and the ongoing evolution of professional soccer in the United States.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history