The Columbus Crew today announced the framework of its 2012 preseason schedule, which includes trips to Bradenton, Fla. and Charleston, S.C. Training begins this Thursday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m., under head coach Robert Warzycha and his staff at the SuperKick/TeamZone facility in Lewis Center (409 Orangepointe Drive).
After almost two weeks in Columbus, the team will continue preparations in Florida from Jan. 31 to Feb.16, before returning to Columbus on Feb. 17. The Crew will remain in Columbus until Feb. 23, when it will travel to Charleston, S.C., for the Carolina Challenge Cup tournament that runs through March 3.
While in Florida, the Crew will train and play exhibition matches against other professional, national team and collegiate teams training in the area. The exhibition schedule is still being finalized and will be released at a later date.
Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members, it won its first MLS Cup championship in 2008 and has also won the 2002 U.S. Open Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009. It will open its 17th season on March 10 at the Colorado Rapids and its 14th at first-of-its-kind Crew Stadium on March 24 against the Montreal Impact.
Preliminary 2012 Crew Preseason Schedule (Subject to change)
Jan. 19-30: Columbus
Jan. 31-Feb. 16: Bradenton, Fla.
Feb. 17-22: Columbus
Feb. 23-March 3: Charleston, S.C. (Carolina Challenge Cup)
March 4: Return to Columbus
March 10: First Kick 2011 at Colorado Rapids
