Columbus Crew is a male American soccer team who were founded in 1994. Following their MLS Play Off triumph in 2008, expectations were high for the 2009 season. They lived up to these hopes originally by winning the Eastern Conference and qualifying comfortably for the Play Offs. However, they were defeated 4-2 on aggregate by eventual winners Real Salt Lake at the quarter final stage.

Columbus Crew 2010 Home jersey

The new 2010 Columbus Crew home jersey is predominately yellow with symmetrical curved black pinstripes in the top left and bottom right. Manufacturers Adidas place their black logo in the top right of the jersey whilst the three traditional black stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves. The club badge is present in the top left with a single silver star above it to represent their one MLS Cup triumph. Sponsors “Glidden” place their black logo inside a white and grey oval across the centre of the jersey.

Columbus Crew

Since their formation in 1994, Columbus Crew has had fairly modest success. After steady but unspectacular progress throughout the 1990’s, the team won the US Open Cup in 2002 to pick up their first honour. During 2005-07, Columbus Crew finished 6th each time in the Eastern Conference thereby failing to qualify for the MLS Cup. However, in 2008 against the odds, the team managed to win the Eastern Conference again then remarkably followed that up by winning the MLS Cup.

The start of 2009 MLS season saw Columbus Crew assigned their first ever designated player. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who has been with the club since 2007, was a key figure behind their MLS Cup victory in 2008 and was subsequently reward with the designated player role. However, he has since negoatiated his wages below the designated player structure.

A successful 2008 season ensured that Columbus Crew were entered into the CONCACAF Champions League. They were the only American team to qualify for the quarter finals from the group stage. In the quarter finals, that will be played in March 2010, they will take on successful Mexican club Toluca over two legs.