As the black sheet that covered the “MLS CUP CHAMPIONS 2020” shield was removed, supporters roared throughout Historic Crew Stadium and waved checkered black and gold flags. Simultaneously in the Nordecke, a tifo reading “Forever Home of Champions” was unveiled as another reminder that Sunday afternoon was about more than beginning the 2021 MLS season.
While the scoreless draw with the Philadelphia Union was the start of a new beginning – and the last first game in the stadium – it was also an opportunity to celebrate last season’s success.
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“I thought the supporters were unbelievable,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “This was the biggest game in terms of the crowd (size) in quite some time, for sure the biggest in over a year.”
INTERVIEW | Caleb Porter on Sunday's showing from Crew SC supporters
The sounds from the stands were a welcome addition to the atmosphere in the stadium and for fans watching the nationally broadcasted match. After a year noted by pumped-in crowd noise, that was replaced by singing, drums, and even a chorus of boos for an opposing player.
In short, it’s back to a semblance of normal for Columbus Crew SC at Historic Crew Stadium, and the on-field performance matched the occasion.
WATCH | Highlights from CLBvPHI
In a game between the reigning MLS Cup champions and the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield winners, the sides were even with both teams creating limited attacking opportunities as they fought to find flaws in the opposition.
For Columbus, the Crew nearly took the lead when a long-range effort from Lucas Zelarayan grazed the crossbar in the 34th minute. Artur nearly produced the game-winner in the 83rd minute, but Philadelphia’s Andre Blake made an impressive point-blank save to deny the Brazilian midfielder.
On the other end of the field, goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a third-consecutive shutout across all competitions in 2021 and finished with five saves.
“It’s always nice to open the season at home and with fans,” Room said after the game. “It’s a good feeling to play for the supporters. It’s a long time ago since the stadium was full like this, so it gives us a push to perform.”
INTERVIEW | Room following his third consecutive shutout of 2021
Porter also mentioned that the crowd provided a boost to the team, although they were limited to earning a point.
“I was really proud of our intensity and proud of our mentality,” he said. “I just didn’t think we had enough rhythm … There will be more wins coming up, no doubt. We have to remind ourselves of (that) we’re playing a very good team and it’s early in the year.”
That was the overwhelming takeaway from the MLS regular-season opener. While the Crew created scoring opportunities that weren’t capitalized on, they also neutralized one of the league’s best teams and undoubtedly a future rival to win the Eastern Conference later this season.
“I am very proud of the evolution of the club over the last three years,” Porter said. “For sure, if we’re disappointed drawing the Supporters’ Shield winners last year, that means we’ve raised the bar and our standards are very high.”
That’s certainly true, but it’s also true that the fans were impressed and entertained on Sunday afternoon, regardless of the outcome.
Expectations have been raised, but so was the “MLS CUP CHAMPIONS 2020” shield. That was always going to be a main event. The promising performance that followed suggested there’s more excitement and potential success awaiting in 2021, too.
