Today’s home opener is the first match for Crew SC in Columbus since last season’s MLS Cup final; and Black & Gold players are ecstatic to be returning to MAPFRE Stadium for Opening Match presented by MAPFRE Insurance.
“I’m really excited. It’s gonna be great, the pitch is in great shape,” midfielder Ethan Finlay said. “You look up and you see these bleachers and it kind of reminds you of where you where a little over three months ago, so it gives us a little bit of perspective—it’s a good reminder.”
Home openers have been a positive for Crew SC in recent memory, as the Black & Gold have gone unbeaten in said matches since 2005 (6-0-5). Since then, more and more supporters have filled the seats at MAPFRE Stadium. Players know how big of a role the supporters’ energy plays on the pitch, and they want to pay it back.
“We’re very excited. We’re hoping that we can come out here and get a win for the fans that were with us all last season,” midfielder Federico Higuain said. “And we hope that we’re able to go out there and play well and give the fans the happiness and excitement that they deserve.”
For Captain and defender Michael Parkhurst, Saturday’s Opening Match is an opportunity to continue last season’s MLS Cup momentum and win over new supporters in 2016.
“We look forward to getting back in front of those fans. We know it won’t be the exact same crowd, but we hope that the stadium’s full and we always want to play well in front of our home fans,” he said. “We know every season opener brings a great opportunity for us to bring new fans in, to play well and to show that we’re going to be a contender this year.”
If recent history is any indication, Crew SC supporters could be in for a treat on Saturday. Unbeaten over the past 11 years in opening matches at MAPFRE Stadium, there have been some exciting openers in Columbus. Here is a look back at the six Opening Match wins since 2005:
1. April 2, 2005: Crew SC 3-0 LA Galaxy
After claiming the Supporter’s Shield in 2004, the Black & Gold opened 2005 at home with a 3-0 victory over the LA Galaxy. The win extended the team’s MLS record regular-season unbeaten streak to 19 games (9-0-10) that dated back to late-June of 2004.
2. March 29, 2008: Crew SC 2-0 Toronto FC
In their first of three straight home openers against Toronto FC, Crew SC defeated the Reds, 2-0. The Trillium Cup victory was the first of 20 in 2008, with the last sealing the club’s first MLS Cup title.
3. March 27, 2010: Crew SC 2-0 Toronto FC
Another home opener against Toronto FC, another 2-0 win. Crew SC defeated its Canadian rivals on the heels of an outstanding performance by club legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who first assisted Andy Iro’s goal in the 29th and then sealed the deal with one of his own in the 86th.
4. March 24, 2012: Crew SC 2-0 Montreal Impact
In front of over 18,000 fans, the Black & Gold defeated the Montreal Impact 2-0, in their first match of 2012 in Columbus. After a red card was issued to Montreal’s Jeb Brovsky in the 19th minute, Crew SC took advantage of the extra man with goals from offseason signings Milovan Mirosevic and Olman Vargas.
5. March 22, 2014: Crew SC 2-1 Philadelphia Union
After commencing 2014 with a 3-0 road win against DC United, the Black & Gold returned home and claimed another three points in a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on the back of a brace from midfielder Bernardo Anor. This was the last time Crew SC hosted the Union for Opening Match at MAPFRE Stadium.
6. March 14, 2015: Crew SC 2-0 Toronto FC
In the first home match since the rebranding of the club and name change of the stadium, Crew SC defeated the Reds 2-0, behind goals from midfielder Justin Meram and striker Kei Kamara. The victory was a spark for both Crew SC players and fans, ultimately leading to an MLS Cup runner-up finish.
