Editorial Note: MLSsoccer.com's Dylan Butler contributed to the edited preview below.
A flurry of activity, including a club-record signing have expectations high for the new-look Columbus Crew SC, who host MLS Cup contender New York City FC in both teams' regular-season opener Sunday at MAPFRE Stadium.
Crew SC made a few shrewd offseason moves, including the signing of Argentine playmaker Lucas Zelarayan from Tigres in Liga MX. Caleb Porter reunites with both influential midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who steps in for the departed Wil Trapp, and Fanendo Adi, while Vito Wormgoor provides experience in central defense.
NYCFC are largely unchanged following the most successful season in club history, with 91 percent of the club's minutes played back for a 2020 season in which the Cityzens are one of the MLS Cup favorites. In their inaugural Concacaf Champions League match, NYCFC exploded for five away goals sparked by an Heber hat trick.
