The Columbus Crew history is filled with passion, success, and resilience. Founded in 1994, the Columbus Crew team became one of Major League Soccer’s most respected clubs. Every Columbus Crew game reflects the team’s strong spirit and loyal fan base, showcasing a legacy built on hard work, championships, and unforgettable moments in American soccer.
Established
1994
City
Columbus
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
1996 - Present / Columbus Crew
Nickname
Crew - As a sports fan, have you ever wondered where the Columbus Crew nickname originated? The answer may surprise you!
Columbus Crew Origin
The Columbus Crew was founded in 1994 and is one of the original Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. Since its inception, it has been known as “the Crew.” But why? When MLS launched in 1996, it turned out that they wanted to give each team a unique identity and thus gave them nicknames instead of simply using their city names or logos.
For the Columbus Club, this meant selecting something representing hard work and blue-collar values—crucial to Ohioans everywhere, hence their choice for ‘Crew’! This name also reflects how many people worked together during construction projects such as building stadiums or bridges: crews who put in long hours with dedication until completion. By choosing this moniker, they paid homage to these workers and those who had helped bring professional soccer back into America's consciousness over two decades ago.
As part of celebrating its 25th anniversary season last year (2019), the club unveiled an updated version of its logo featuring three stars representing past successes along with four stripes symbolizing progress towards future success - all while still keeping true to its core values like hard work & determination embodied by 'the crew' moniker itself! So next time someone asks about your favorite team's origin story – now you know exactly where it comes from - Hard Work & Dedication just like any good 'crew' should demonstrate!!
Championship
MLS Cups 3
2023, 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 History
The Columbus Crew history stands as one of the most remarkable stories in Major League Soccer (MLS). Established in 1994 as one of the league’s original franchises, the Columbus Crew team quickly became a cornerstone of American soccer. Their passionate supporters and consistent performances have made every Columbus Crew game a highlight for fans across the country.
The team’s first golden era began in 2008 when they captured both the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield under the guidance of head coach Sigi Schmid, who was also named MLS Coach of the Year. This double victory marked a turning point in the Columbus Crew history, showcasing their potential to compete with the best in North America.
In the following years, the Columbus Crew team continued to build its reputation. Under head coach Robert Warzycha, the Crew maintained their strong performances and remained consistent playoff contenders. The team’s legacy grew even stronger when they claimed their second MLS Cup in 2020, defeating Seattle Sounders FC. This victory reaffirmed their status as one of MLS’s elite clubs.
Crew Achievements
Throughout their journey, every Columbus Crew game has reflected the team’s resilience and connection with the city of Columbus. The move to their new home, Lower.com Field, in 2021 marked another proud moment in the Columbus Crew history, symbolizing growth and renewal for both the club and its fans.
The Columbus Crew team has earned multiple Supporters’ Shields, U.S. Open Cup titles, and several Eastern Conference championships. Beyond the trophies, they have produced legendary players such as Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Lucas Zelarayán, who left a lasting mark on MLS.
Today, the Columbus Crew history continues to inspire new generations. With strong ownership from the Haslam Sports Group and a growing fan base, the Columbus Crew team remains committed to excellence. Their achievements—two MLS Cups, numerous playoff appearances, and a rich tradition—secure their place among the most respected clubs in American soccer.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history