Fresh off a 1-0 win over USL affiliate Austin Aztex and a third-place finish at the ATX Pro Challenge, Crew SC returns to action on Wednesday at noon ET against London United. The match is the first for the Black & Gold in Group Play of the IMG Academy Suncoast Pro Classic in Bradenton, Fla.
Gregg Berhalter's side looks to capture preseason silverware for the second straight year in Bradenton after securing the 2014 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. Columbus defeated Sporting KC 4-0 in the tournament Final in Orlando.
The Black & Gold's opponent on Wednesday, London United, is a team comprised of currently out-of-contract players hoping to catch on with a club. The side replaced TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the tournament. The U-23 Costa Rican Men's National Team and the Philadelphia Union are also in Columbus' group at the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic.
Crew SC is currently 1-1-0 in preseason play in 2015 following the win versus Austin and a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas. New addition Kristinn Steindorrson and Homegrown defender Chad Barson have supplied each of the club's goals. The Black & Gold open their 20th season on March 7 on the road versus the Houston Dynamo.
