Major League Soccer unveiled its 2015 regular-season schedule on Wednesday, and like any year, a few dates on Crew SC's home slate stick out a little more than others. ColumbusCrewSC.com helps you plan your trips to Crew Stadium this season with five key home matches below.
March 14 - vs. Toronto FC
Following the season-opener in Houston on March 7, Crew SC opens its 2015 season home campaign against the most bitter of the club's rivals Toronto FC. Though the Black & Gold had the last laugh in 2014 by qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs while Toronto missed out yet again, revenge will be on the minds of Crew SC and its supporters following losses in all three clashes with the Reds last season.
June 13 - vs. LA Galaxy
For the second consecutive season, the Black & Gold will host the LA Galaxy in Columbus. Who can forget the 4-1 thumping Gregg Berhalter's side laid on the eventual MLS Cup champions last August? There will be no Landon Donovan this year, and the newly signed Steven Gerrard isn't set to arrive in Hollywood until July, but you can always count on bringing your popcorn when Bruce Arena and company come to town as Berhalter coaches against his former side and mentor.
July 4 - vs. NY Red Bulls
For the first time since 2009, the Black & Gold will host an Independence Day clash at Crew Stadium. Expect fireworks on the pitch as one of the League's top playmakers (Crew SC midfielder Federico Higuaín) takes on last year's MLS Budweiser Golden Boot winner (Red Bull forward Bradley Wright-Phillips). Columbus traveled to LA and Colorado on July 4 in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
August 19 - vs. NYCFC
Crew SC welcomes 2015 MLS expansion side New York City FC for the first clash between the two sides in a midweek clash on August 19. Despite partner club Manchester City extending superstar midfielder Frank Lampard's loan through the end of the 2014-15 Barclays Premier League season, "Super Frank" is set to report to NYCFC during the summer -- meaning the trip to Columbus could mark the Englishman's MLS debut. Crew SC travels to the Bronx for a tilt at Yankee Stadium on August 29.
October 25 - vs. D.C. United
This match-up is as old school as it gets in MLS. Both League originals returned to the postseason in 2014, and will look to go even further this season. It's still way too early to predict the Eastern Conference table at this point in January, but if last season was any indication this should be one of the pivotal matches to watch on "Decision Day."
